Floating Microplastics in European Rivers May Soon Accumulate in the Arctic Ocean

Floating microplastics from 21 major rivers in northern Europe may soon accumulate in the Arctic Ocean, according to a new study.

Scientists found that there is a high concentration of microplastic particles across the Arctic Ocean.

However, they claim no previous research had focused on their origin.

There has been numerous research already on microplastic particles, but the study claims there is no significant identification made on the accumulation, timeline, and source of microplastics in the Arctic Ocean.

The study used Lagrangian particle advection simulations to model the flow of microplastics.

The new research highlights the environmental dangers if the accumulation of microplastics in the Arctic Ocean continues, implicating that the circulation of the particles can have dire consequences on the natural marine ecosystem.

It also suggests improved waste management is necessary.

Microplastic pollution has been a growing threat since the mass production of plastics in the 1900s.

Multiple studies have shown that microplastics or nanoplastic particles are potentially detrimental to one's health. Microplastics in humans can also travel to different tissues and organs of the body.

Previous research showed that large amounts of microplastic particles were found inside human tissues and organs.

Although research on microplastics is increasing, limited data is available on the actual effect of microplastics once inside the human body.

Floating Microplastics

In the new study published in the journal Scientific Reports on Thursday, March 17, researchers from Norway identified that the presence of floating microplastics in the Arctic Ocean originated from 21 major rivers across northern Europe in a ten-year period.

The research started with the premise that there is no significant study made on the origin of microplastics in the Arctic waters.

As a result, the Norwegian researchers focused on this element and predicted floating microplastics may soon further accumulate in several parts of the Arctic Ocean.

The research team collected 121 samples from seawater off the western coast of Norway between May 2017 and August 2018, as per Phys.org.

Based on the Lagrangian particle advection simulations, the team assessed there are two main pathways where the floating microplastics are being taken.

First, the researchers reportedly observed 65% of the microplastic particles were drifting from the Norwegian coast to the Laptev Sea before heading toward the Arctic Ocean.

On the other hand, 30% of the particles were seen drifting from the Norwegian coast before traversing the Fram Strait.

Following the simulation, the researchers determined that there will be dire consequences for the health of Arctic ecosystems.

Moreover, fish and other marine species in the Arctic waters are also under threat from the hazards posed by the accumulation of microplastics in the ocean.

Microplastic Pollution

Microplastics are very tiny particles or fragments from plastic materials. They are produced when larger plastics are either broken down, crushed, burnt, or other means to dispose of them.

Over recent years, there has been a growing demand to increase plastic recycling worldwide.

Due to the complex biodegradability of microplastics, they accumulate in land, sea, and air instead of being completely eradicated, according to the European Union (EU) - European Commission (EC).

The accumulation of microplastic in the environment has posed a challenge to countries worldwide.

According to the EU - EC, there is currently no comprehensive law in Europe that tackles the issue of microplastic pollution.

In relation to the new study, the lack of laws toward microplastic pollution may indicate why European rivers emit floating microplastics into the Arctic Ocean.

With this, the researchers from Norway highlighted the need for better and more comprehensive plastic waste management.