TY - JOUR
T1 - Assessing the current state of plastic pollution research in Antarctica
T2 - Knowledge gaps and recommendations
AU - De-la-Torre, Gabriel Enrique
AU - Santillán, Luis
AU - Dioses-Salinas, Diana Carolina
AU - Yenney, Emma
AU - Toapanta, Tania
AU - Okoffo, Elvis D.
AU - Kannan, Gunasekaran
AU - Madadi, Reyhane
AU - Dobaradaran, Sina
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2024/5
Y1 - 2024/5
N2 - Antarctica stands as one of the most isolated and pristine regions on our planet. Regardless, recent studies have evidenced the presence of plastic pollution in Antarctic environments and biota. While these findings are alarming and put into perspective the reach of plastic pollution, it is necessary to assess the current knowledge of plastic pollution in Antarctica. In the present review, an updated literature review of plastic pollution in multiple Antarctic environmental compartments and biota was conducted. Studies were cataloged based on environmental compartments (e.g., sediments, seawater, soil, atmosphere) and biota from different ecological niches. A detailed analysis of the main findings, as well as the flaws and shortcomings across studies, was conducted. In general terms, several studies have shown a lack of adequate sampling and analytical procedures for plastic research (particularly in the case of microplastics) and standard procedures; thus, compromising the reliability of the data reported and comparability across studies. Aiming to guide future studies and highlight research needs, a list of knowledge gaps and recommendations were provided based on the analysis and discussion of the literature and following standardized procedures.
AB - Antarctica stands as one of the most isolated and pristine regions on our planet. Regardless, recent studies have evidenced the presence of plastic pollution in Antarctic environments and biota. While these findings are alarming and put into perspective the reach of plastic pollution, it is necessary to assess the current knowledge of plastic pollution in Antarctica. In the present review, an updated literature review of plastic pollution in multiple Antarctic environmental compartments and biota was conducted. Studies were cataloged based on environmental compartments (e.g., sediments, seawater, soil, atmosphere) and biota from different ecological niches. A detailed analysis of the main findings, as well as the flaws and shortcomings across studies, was conducted. In general terms, several studies have shown a lack of adequate sampling and analytical procedures for plastic research (particularly in the case of microplastics) and standard procedures; thus, compromising the reliability of the data reported and comparability across studies. Aiming to guide future studies and highlight research needs, a list of knowledge gaps and recommendations were provided based on the analysis and discussion of the literature and following standardized procedures.
KW - Antarctic
KW - Contamination
KW - Debris
KW - Food web
KW - Microplastics
KW - Southern ocean
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85189673293&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141870
DO - 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141870
M3 - Artículo de revisión
AN - SCOPUS:85189673293
SN - 0045-6535
VL - 355
JO - Chemosphere
JF - Chemosphere
M1 - 141870
ER -