Plastic contamination in the Southern Ocean is a growing issue. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of marine microplastics (MPs) (0.1–5 mm) in surface sediments in Potter Cove and nearby areas around Argentina's Carlini station (25 de Mayo/King George Island, South Shetlands). Sediment samples from 31 sites (2020−2022) were collected to examine whether MP pollution originates from station activities or ocean currents. All samples contained MPs, averaging 0.18 ± 0.12 MPs/g of sediment, mainly microfibers (MFs) and irregular microfragments (MFRs) (0.11–6.23 mm) and irregular microfragments (MFRs) (0.09–4.57 mm). Infrared spectroscopy identified 13 polymer types, including cellulosic materials, polyester, and polyamide, with most MPs < 1 mm, showing aging signs, similar to laundry wear. This widespread distribution suggests contamination may stem from both local activities and external sources. Findings underscore the urgent need for MP pollution management and further research to identify sources and develop effective mitigation strategies.

中文翻译：

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波特湾及附近地区（南设得兰群岛梅奥 25 号/乔治王岛）南极沿海环境海洋沉积物中的微塑料污染


南大洋的塑料污染是一个日益严重的问题。这项研究首次对波特湾和阿根廷卡里尼站周围地区（南设得兰群岛梅奥 25 号/乔治王岛）周围地区表层沉积物中的海洋微塑料 （MP）（0.1-5 毫米）进行了全面分析。收集了来自 31 个地点（2020-2022 年）的沉积物样本，以检查 MP 污染是来自站点活动还是洋流。所有样品均含有 MP，平均为 0.18 ± 0.12 MPs/g 沉积物，主要是微纤维 （MF） 和不规则微碎片 （MFR） （0.11–6.23 mm） 和不规则微碎片 （MFR） （0.09–4.57 mm）。红外光谱确定了 13 种聚合物类型，包括纤维素材料、聚酯和聚酰胺，其中大多数 MP < 1 mm，显示出老化迹象，类似于洗衣衣。这种广泛的分布表明污染可能来自本地活动和外部来源。研究结果强调了 MP 污染管理和进一步研究以确定来源并制定有效缓解策略的迫切需要。