Researchers in Portsmouth look to uncover impact of plastic waste on Antarctica

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The work is being carried out in an effort to preserve what the university describes as "one of the world's most fragile environments". Credit: LPHOT SMITH/MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Researchers in Hampshire are looking to uncover the damage that plastic waste is having on Antarctica.

The work is being carried out by Portsmouth University in an effort to preserve what the researchers describe as "one of the world's most fragile environments".

The team were aboard polar research vessel HMS Protector, collaborating with the Royal Navy to carry out their tests.

They used a drone to survey the Antarctic coastline and pinpoint areas where litter has washed up.

Water samples and marine sediments have been taken to measure the human impact, especially through tourism, on the frozen continent.

The crew of HMS Protector have been helping to collect data. Credit: LPHOT SMITH/MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Dr Keiron Roberts, a senior lecturer in sustainability and the built environment, and a member of the Revolution Plastics Institute said: “Coming from a navy family, being on board HMS Protector has been a bucket-list experience.

"The crew’s support has been incredible, and this time among them is something I’ll treasure forever.

“Without the crew of HMS Protector this valuable data would not be possible to collect.

"With their help we are now building up an evidence base of the impacts that humans are having in the region, particularly microplastics, and hope to continue this work with them moving forward.”

Dr Adele Julier, a senior lecturer and palaeoecologist, is looking at climate and weather changes across Antarctic and said: “Setting pollen slides around the ship and counting pollen every day at a microscope in the warfare room has been a surreal and fascinating experience.

“The crew have all been so welcoming and friendly, and have put up admirably with me getting way too excited about finding moss."

A drone has been used to survey the Antarctic coastline, pinpointing areas where litter has washed up. Credit: LPHOT SMITH/MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

The United Nations estimates that more than eight million metric tonnes of plastic enter the planet’s oceans every year.

The two scientists will now analyse the results of their studies at their laboratories in Portsmouth.

Meanwhile HMS Protector is now headed for Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Chile for a rotation of some of her crew with colleagues from back in the UK as she prepares for the next phase of her Antarctic deployment.


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