First time microplastics are found in fresh Antarctic snow 

Freshly fallen snow found to contain microplastics, which could accelerate melting and pose a threat to the continent's ecosystems. 

Scientists previously detected the tiny plastics in Antarctic sea ice and surface waters, but this is the first time they have been found in fresh snowfall, the researchers say. 

In the scientific journal The Cryosphere, Alex Aves, a PhD student at the University of Canterbury, and her supervisor Dr Laura Revell have published their research.

Snow samples were collected from the Ross Ice Shelf in late 2019 to determine if microplastics had been absorbed from the atmosphere.

Antarctica had seen relatively few studies on this topic up until then. According to Revell, 'We were optimistic that she would not find microplastics in such a pristine and remote location.' 

The Director also directed Aves to collect samples from Scott Base and McMurdo Station roads, where microplastics have previously been detected, so 'she'd have at least a sample to study,' Revell said. 

Plastic particles were found in every single sample from the Ross Ice Shelf, so that precaution was unnecessary. 

Aves said, 'It's incredibly sad to find microplastics in fresh Antarctic snow, but it highlights just how far plastic pollution extends.'

According to Aves, melted snow contained an average of 29 microplastic particles per liter, higher than marine concentrations previously observed in the Ross Sea and Antarctic sea ice. 

The concentrations on Ross Island, Scott Base, and McMurdo Station were nearly three times higher than in remote areas adjacent to these scientific bases.

A total of 13 different types of plastic were found; the most common was PET - the plastic commonly used to make soft drink bottles and clothing. 

A total of 13 different types of plastic were found; the most common was PET - the plastic commonly used to make soft drink bottles and clothing. 

Revell believes microplastics may have traveled thousands of kilometers through the air in atmospheric models, but that humans in Antarctica have also left a 'footprint' of microplastics.