In a world-first, a New Zealand study has confirmed microplastics are present in Antarctica’s Ross Island region. Kiwi researchers analysed fresh snow from 19 sites, finding an average concentration of 29 microplastic particles per litre of melted snow. These microplastics most likely come from plastic products used at local scientific research stations, however, this team’s modelling also suggests their origin could have been up to 6,000 km away.

Joe spoke to Dr Holly Winton, a Research Fellow in Antarctic ice core climatology from the Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, on the matter.