Microplastics in Glaciers: First Results from the Vatnajökull Ice Cap

Hlynur Stefánsson, Mark Peternell, Matthias Konrad-Schmolke, Hrafnhildur Hannesdóttir, Einar Jón Ásbjörnsson and Erik Sturkell
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Hlynur Stefánsson: Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
Mark Peternell: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 41320 Gothenburg, Sweden
Matthias Konrad-Schmolke: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 41320 Gothenburg, Sweden
Hrafnhildur Hannesdóttir: Icelandic Meteorological Office, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
Einar Jón Ásbjörnsson: Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
Erik Sturkell: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 41320 Gothenburg, Sweden

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-11

Abstract: Microplastic particles, as a second-phase material in ice, may contribute to the effect such particles have on the melting and rheological behaviour of glaciers, and thus influence the future meltwater contribution to the oceans and rising sea levels. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to map and understand the presence and dispersal of microplastics on a global scale. In this work, we identified microplastic particles in snow cores collected in a remote and pristine location on the Vatnajökull ice cap in Iceland. Utilising optical microscopy and µ-Raman spectroscopy, we visualised and identified microplastic particles of various sizes and materials. Our findings support that atmospheric transport of microplastic particles is one of the important pathways for microplastic pollution.

Keywords: microplastics; glacier; snow; ice; µ-Raman spectroscopy; atmospheric transport; pollution; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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