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What We Did
We undertook atmospheric microplastic sampling at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, the university’s Mt John field station near Tekapo, and on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. These sampling campaigns tell us about the ‘footprint’ of airborne microplastics in the Southern Hemisphere. The sampling campaigns were complemented by a modelling study to examine the role of microplastics in the global climate system.
Who Was Involved
The research was funded via the Marsden Fund and supported by Gateway Antarctica, Antarctica New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Why It Matters
Airborne microplastics are an emerging environmental contaminant yet little is known about their abundance and distribution in the Southern Hemisphere. However, recent studies from the Northern Hemisphere indicate that because they are small and lightweight, microplastics can be transported by winds over large distances. When inhaled or ingested, microplastics have negative health impacts on humans, marine and terrestrial organisms, as well as the potential to influence atmospheric processes at a global scale.
Learn More
Knobloch, E., H. Ruffell, A. Aves, O. Pantos, S. Gaw and L. E. Revell (2021). "Comparison of Deposition Sampling Methods to Collect Airborne Microplastics in Christchurch, New Zealand." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 232(4): 133
