Svalbard Winter Plastics

Project Description

To date there are no published studies in the Arctic looking at microplastics contamination across environmental and biological components of local foodwebs, from samples taken at the same locations and times. There is very limited data on microplastics levels in Arctic marine species (1 published study on one invertebrate species from Svalbard) or more importantly its effects on biologically important functions of these species (e.g. ingestion and excretion of microplastics) and none looking at its impacts on the broader marine communities. Nor are there any studies looking at microplastic deposition form snow during the winter months, which may represent a major vector for introducing microplastic pollution from elsewhere.

The aims of the project are to evaluate macro- and microplastic levels in a range of environments and if possible taxa. This project is stand alone, but will also feed into research already in progress from sites sampled in west Greenland; Nunavut, Canada and Iceland. The current lack of fundamental knowledge about plastics in the Svalbard archipelago means important questions about the threats it poses to both endangered megafauna and the broader marine and terrestrial ecosystems cannot be assessed. Therefore understanding and quantifying plastic contamination in Svalbard is critically important.
Our key aims are:
To gain a baseline quantification of macro- and microplastics in the areas around Ny Ålesund across a range of environments (water, snow, ice, air and sediments) and to ascertain whether ecologically important biological components of the ecosystem are under threat from microplastics. We also aim to understand the perceptions of plastic pollution and engage with stakeholders. This fieldwork will provide a proof of concept information gathering opportunity which will help us develop a citizen science project monitoring and reporting plastics around the archipelago ( in collaboration with cruise ship operators and other stakeholders in Svalbard).

Specific objectives for this fieldwork to deliver these aims are listed below:
1. Collect samples of snow, water, sediments, air (all microplastics will be extracted in the Arctic Station lab )
2. Collect plankton and/or sea ice samples (Plankton samples will need processing in the UK)
3. Collect intertidal invertebrates if possible (Samples will need processing in the UK)
4. Undertake lab based microcosm experiments on key planktonic or intertidal species looking at microplastic ingestion and egestion. 4 tanks, 1 week experiments looking at ingestion and egestion of a variety microplastic particles and polymers)
5. Engage with the local community to understand their perceptions of plastic pollution ( face to face and via online questionnaires if necessary). We realise that we may not be able to do this face to face in all instances.