--- title: "Even Antarctica Isn’t Safe From Microplastics, Researchers Confirm" description: "Seriously? It's official. Microplastics have reached some of the most remote parts of Antarctica, one of the last natural strongholds against human development. This was confirmed by University of Canterbury researchers, who were shocked to discover that after every single sample of fresh Antarctic snow, gathered from a total of 19 South Pole locations back […]" date: "2022-06-10" modified: "2022-06-10" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/antarctica-microplastics" categories: - "Environment" - "Pollution" - "Science & Energy" tags: - "Antarctica" - "microplastic" - "pollution" - "the digest" --- # Even Antarctica Isn’t Safe From Microplastics, Researchers Confirm ![Microplastics have reached some of the most remote parts of Antarctica, one of the last natural strongholds against human development.]() *\Image: Daniel Enchev\* ## Seriously? Microplastics have officially reached some of the most remote parts of Antarctica, the world's least populated continent. University of Canterbury researchers were shocked to discover that every single sample of fresh Antarctic snow they gathered from 19 locations around the South Pole back in 2019 was littered with tiny pieces of plastic. "It's incredibly sad, but finding microplastics in fresh Antarctic snow highlights the extent of plastic pollution in even the most remote regions of the world," said Alex Aves, co-author of a [new paper]() published this week in the journal *Cryosphere* and recent University of Canterbury graduate, [in a press release](). Astonishingly, 13 different types of plastics emerged in the tests, but PET — commonly used to make plastic bottles and clothing — was the most abundant, according to the research. ## That's A Lot of Plastic It's a sobering discovery as the researchers were originally optimistic that at least some samples would be plastic-free. Laura Revell, co-author and University of Canterbury professor, revealed that Aves was asked to source some of the icy specimens from areas closer to human activity so that "she'd have at least some microplastics to study," according to the statement. Laboratory results dashed those hopes pretty quickly. Their findings suggest that on average, South Pole snow has more milligrams of microplastic per liter than the surrounding ocean and frozen ice. This, they postulate, is likely due to airborne microplastics, which can travel thousands of miles before they settle. "From the studies published in the last few years," Revell added, "we've learned that everywhere we look for airborne microplastics, we find them." ## Penguin Prognosis Microplastics could be compounding some existing issues. The Earth's South Pole**,** which is [struggling enough climate-wise]() as it is, might now face [additional atmospheric shifts]() as a result of the tiny, airborne plastic shards. The researchers also point out that the few plant and animal species that call Antarctica home, including penguins, orcas, and the [incredible Antarctic moss forests](), could be subjected to "limited growth, negative effects on reproduction, and impaired biological functions" as a result. Earth's southern tip is just the latest addition to an ever-growing list of [seemingly impossible places]() for the fossil fuel byproducts to show up, and humans have yet to make many meaningful moves to address the issue. But if people from far and wide can agree on anything, it's the fact that penguins are really, really cute. So please, everyone: think of the penguins. **READ MORE:** [*Microplastics found in fresh Antarctic snow*]() \[BBC\] **More on groundbreaking plastic discoveries:** [Pollution *Is Shrinking Human Penises, Says Famous Environmentalist*]() ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()