Tiny plastic particles as small as a red blood cell have been discovered in Antarctica, in the latest worrying sign that even the most remote corners of the planet are being polluted.
Microplastics were detected in analysis of snow samples from three sites where researchers were carrying out field work.
Study leader Dr Kirstie Jones-Williams, a PhD student working with British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said the findings underscored “the pervasive nature of plastic pollution – demonstrating that nowhere on Earth is truly untouched”.
She added: “Despite stringent regulations on materials entering Antarctica, our findings reveal microplastic contamination even in remote and highly controlled areas.
“Our research highlights the need to leverage existing Antarctic presence for sustained monitoring.”
Plastic pollution was found found at Union Glacier and Schanz Glacier deep field sites, as well as the South Pole where the US Antarctic Program has a research station.
Advanced techniques were used for the first time to detect particles as small as 11 micrometres – about the size of a red blood cell.
Concentrations ranged from 73 to 3,099 particles per litre of snow. Most were smaller than 50 micrometers, suggesting previous studies with less sensitive methods may have underestimated the extent of the problem.
The particles included common plastic types such as polyamide (used in textiles), polyethylene terephthalate (found in bottles and packaging), polyethylene and synthetic rubber.
Polyamide accounted for over half of the microplastics and was discovered in all samples taken close to field camps but not at a remote “control” site.
Dr Clara Manno, an ocean ecologist at BAS, said this suggested some of the particles may have come from clothing and equipment used by the scientists.
She said: “We think this means that there are local sources of plastic pollution, at least when it comes to polyamide.
“This could come from outdoor clothing, or the ropes and flags that are used to mark safe routes in and around the camp.
“We need to do more research to fully understand the sources of microplastic pollution in Antarctica – how much of it is local, and how much is transported over long distances so we can explore how best to reduce this plastic pollution in one of the most pristine places on Earth.”
The findings were published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. Another recent study suggested that the amount of microplastic accumulating in human bodies is rising.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico analysed samples from 52 people who died in 2016 and 2024 – and found levels were around 50% higher last year.
Particles were found in the liver and kidney, and at even higher levels in the brain. Toxicologist Matthew Campen told The Times: “I’d never have imagined it was this high. I certainly don’t feel comfortable with this much plastic in my brain.”
