[A-CC25] Glaciology

[ACC25-P14] Finding of atmospheric microplastics in Antarctica

*Osamu Nagafuchi¹, Koyomi Nakazawa², Satoshi Imura³ (1.Fukuoka Institute of Techology, 2.Toyama Prefectural University, 3.National Institute of Polar Research)

Keywords:Antarctica, Microplastics, atmosphere, Syowa station

Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) have been identified in various remote environments since 2019, such as the Pyrenees, the Arctic and Everest, however data from the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Antarctica, are scarce. In this study, glaciers, snow cover and air samples from Showa Station and the surrounding area were collected. Chemical digestion of these samples, staining with Nile red, subsequent fluorescent microscopy with identification of MPs size by ImageJ and µRaman spectroscopy were performed. Morphology, particle size distribution and composition of MP polymers were assessed. This study establishes the high presence of microplastic particles below 10 µm in Antarctica.