The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) works with Argentina to begin a pioneering scientific expedition in Antarctica. On Saturday, January 6, a joint effort kicks off to study the presence of microplastics in the remote region as part of a broader push to address this growing environmental threat even in the planet’s farthest corners.
The research team comprises two scientists who will spend a month evaluating plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. They will examine where microplastics are found and how they behave in seawater, freshwater bodies, sediments, sands, wastewater, and local wildlife surrounding the Argentine scientific research station Carlini. The mission aligns with the IAEA NUTEC Plastics initiative, which began in 2010 to fight plastic pollution with nuclear technologies. The aim is to combine nuclear science with practical pollution-control strategies.
Through a network of NUTEC plastic monitoring laboratories, nuclear and isotopic techniques are employed to generate precise data on how marine microplastics are distributed. This information supports the development of effective plastic reduction policies and measures. The resulting data serve as a solid foundation for decision-makers working to curb plastic pollution and protect ecosystems.
Historical evidence of microplastics in fast ice near the Antarctic coast dates back to 2009, when researchers from the University of Tasmania sampled sea ice in East Antarctica. The findings were later published in Science Direct. However, there is still limited knowledge about the precise sources, quantities, and pathways by which microplastics reach Antarctica, as well as how much is absorbed by living organisms. Data on microplastic types, transport via ocean currents, atmospheric deposition, and human activity remains sparse.
A devastating effect
At the mission’s launch event held at the Marambio Antarctic Base, the IAEA director general emphasized that discovering microplastics in the Antarctic environment underscores the scale of this pollutant’s impact. He noted that microplastics represent a global problem, yet the scientific data needed to guide policy decisions remains incomplete. The Plasticos NUTEC initiative aims to deepen understanding of the origin, movement, and effects of plastic so informed solutions can be pursued.
Microplastics may contribute to accelerating ice loss in Antarctica by altering ice reflectivity and surface roughness, fostering microbial activity, acting as a thermal barrier, and weakening the ice’s mechanical integrity. The combination of microplastics with climate change and shifting oceanic and atmospheric conditions could intensify the melting of polar ice, with consequences for marine food webs and broader ecosystem resilience.
During the mission, the presence of microplastics will be monitored at 22 facilities across diverse environments. Seawater samples will be collected from twelve sites, sediments from four, lakes from three, and beach samples from three. The team will also study microplastics in organisms by examining oysters, sea snails, and penguin feces to understand bioaccumulation pathways. The study is conducted in collaboration with the Argentine Antarctic Institute, which leads scientific consultation and execution, and the National Antarctic Directorate, which guides scientific and technical activities on the continent.
Samples will be prepared and sent to the IAEA Marine Environmental Laboratories in Monaco for analysis. Vibrational spectroscopy will be used to quantify plastic microparticles and characterize polymer types to help identify potential contamination sources. In addition to training sessions intended to strengthen microplastics research capabilities, samples may be analyzed at the IAEA offices in Buenos Aires, where advanced microscopy and spectroscopy facilities are available.
Since its founding in 1961, the IAEA Environmental Laboratories in Monaco have provided member states with the tools and knowledge needed to understand and address pressing environmental challenges at sea. The IAEA operates the only marine environmental laboratory within the United Nations system, underscoring its pivotal role in global environmental science. A short explainer about the Antarctic mission is available through IAEA media channels (IAEA).
In a broader context, a decision adopted in March 2022 saw United Nations member states committing to begin negotiations on a new global agreement to ban plastic pollution, including in marine environments, with an official adoption goal set for 2025. The IAEA’s expanding network of NUTEC laboratories continues to monitor marine microplastic pollution, including in polar regions, contributing critical scientific evidence to support treaty negotiations and the effective implementation of the treaty, especially in marine settings.
Environmental challenges
Antarctica is described as a true wilderness, where its well-being is linked to the planet’s overall health. Expanding the IAEA’s presence worldwide means bringing expertise to the Antarctic region, where informed, results-driven work can drive meaningful change. The IAEA director general stressed the importance of their effort since it demonstrates a practical application of scientific knowledge in the fight against plastic pollution.
IAEA experts will monitor microplastics across 22 facilities in varied settings. Seawater will be sampled at twelve locations, sediments at four, lakes at three, and beaches at three. The researchers will collect biological samples from organisms such as oysters, sea snails, and penguin excrement to trace the movement and impact of plastic debris through ecosystems.
The study is conducted in partnership with the Argentine Antarctic Institute, which oversees scientific and technical research activities, and the National Antarctic Directorate, which guides and coordinates scientific exploration on the continent.
All collected samples will be analyzed at the IAEA Marine Environmental Laboratories in Monaco, employing vibrational spectroscopy to count plastic microparticles and identify polymer types, offering clues about possible contamination sources. Additional training and advanced instrumentation support will be provided by facilities in Buenos Aires, including state-of-the-art microscopy and spectroscopy equipment. The Monaco laboratory has served as a cornerstone for marine environmental research since 1961, supporting IAEA member states in addressing critical maritime environmental challenges. The IAEA also provides a concise video brief about the Antarctic mission through its media channels (IAEA).
End of report notes that contact details have been removed in this summary to maintain a concise, publicly accessible overview of the mission and its findings. The intent remains to present a clear picture of ongoing efforts to track and mitigate plastic pollution in Antarctica and other sensitive habitats, with the goal of informing policy and protecting ecosystems for years to come.