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CWA # 1481, 24 October 2024
NIAS Polar and Ocean Studies
The Hidden Impact of Climate Change: Microplastic Contamination in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

  Sruthy

Introduction
The Arctic, traditionally viewed as a remote and relatively pristine environment, is increasingly revealing its vulnerability to global environmental challenges, notably microplastic (MP) pollution. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than five mm in diameter, result from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris through mechanical degradation, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and biological processes. Despite its geographical isolation, the Arctic Ocean has become a recipient of global plastic pollution. Climate change has intensified this issue by affecting the transport and accumulation of MPs in regions previously less impacted, such as Arctic fjords. The Arctic region is undergoing significant transformations due to global climate change. Increasing temperatures, reduction in sea ice, and glacier melting are altering the region’s physical and ecological systems.

These climatic changes influence not only local ecosystems but also the dynamics of pollutants, including microplastics. The reduction in ice cover and rising temperatures facilitate the movement of MPs into previously less affected areas, leading to increased accumulation in Arctic environments. The melting of glaciers and sea ice releases previously trapped pollutants into the marine environment. Furthermore, alterations in ocean circulation and atmospheric patterns enhance the transport and distribution of MPs. Consequently, even remote Arctic fjords, such as Kongsfjorden, are experiencing elevated levels of plastic pollution.

Microplastics in Kongsfjorden’s Sediments
Kongsfjorden, located in the northwestern part of the Svalbard archipelago (79°N, 11°E), is a 20-km long fjord with varying depths from less than 100 m in the inner fjord to over 300 m in the outer fjord. The fjord’s water quality is influenced by seasonal exchanges with Atlantic and Arctic waters and by anthropogenic activities such as fishing and tourism. Climate change has exacerbated seasonal water quality variations and accelerated glacier and sea ice melting, potentially affecting MP transport dynamics into the fjord. Sediment analysis from eight distinct locations within Kongsfjorden detected MPs in sediments from three sites. Concentrations ranged from 4 to 24 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. The average concentration was 2.87 MPs/kg, with particle sizes ranging from 55 μm to 381 μm. The dominant morphotypes were fragments and fibers, indicating diverse pollution sources (Figure 1). Micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the polymer types of MPs in the sediments.

The analysis identified high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyamide (PA) as the predominant polymers (Figure 2). HDPE, prevalent in plastic bottles and containers, was the most frequently identified polymer, reflecting the widespread nature of plastic pollution. LDPE, found in plastic bags and packaging materials, and PA, used in textiles and fishing gear, further illustrate the varied origins of plastic debris. The presence of these polymers underscores the extensive impact of plastic pollution on Arctic environments.  

Comparative studies show that MP concentrations in Kongsfjorden are lower than in other Arctic regions. This discrepancy may be attributed to the density of the extraction solution, which may exclude high-density polymers. Nonetheless, the identified polymers align with those observed in other Arctic sediment studies. The presence of MPs in Kongsfjorden’s sediments is closely related to the broader impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and reduced ice cover facilitate more active MP transport pathways, allowing these pollutants to reach previously less affected areas. Glacier melting and changes in ice dynamics contribute to the mobilisation and release of plastic debris from terrestrial sources into marine environments. Additionally, warming temperatures and altered ocean currents enhance MP distribution across the Arctic. Proximity to Ny-Ålesund, an international research town, may also impact MP levels in the fjord.

Environmental Implications and Future Research
The findings from Kongsfjorden highlight the intersection of climate change and plastic pollution in the Arctic. The presence of MPs in sediment poses significant ecological risks, including potential adverse effects on sediment-dwelling organisms and the role of sediments as reservoirs of plastic pollution. These results underscore the need for comprehensive research to fully understand the impact of climate change on microplastic pollution in the Arctic. Investigating interactions between MPs and Arctic biota, including effects on sediment-dwelling organisms and the broader marine food web, is also essential. Addressing MP pollution in the Arctic requires targeted mitigation strategies and policy interventions, including reducing plastic production and consumption, improving waste management practices, and enhancing recycling efforts. International collaboration and policies addressing the global nature of plastic pollution are crucial for protecting the Arctic and other vulnerable environments from further degradation.

Conclusion
The study of microplastics in Kongsfjorden underscores the critical impact of climate change on plastic pollution in the Arctic. As the region undergoes warming and ice melting, the presence and effects of MPs are becoming more pronounced. The findings highlight the urgent need for continued research and targeted mitigation strategies to address this pressing issue and safeguard the Arctic’s fragile ecosystems. Understanding the influence of climate change on microplastic pollution is vital for developing effective strategies to protect the Arctic environment and enhance its resilience against global environmental challenges.

References
Andrady, A. L., Barnes, P. W., Bornman, J. F., Gouin, T., Madronich, S., White, C. C., ... & Jansen, M. A. K. (2022). Oxidation and fragmentation of plastics in a changing environment; from UV-radiation to biological degradation. Science of The Total Environment, 851, 158022.
Bergmann, M., Collard, F., Fabres, J., Gabrielsen, G. W., Provencher, J. F., Rochman, C. M., ... & Tekman, M. B. (2022). Plastic pollution in the Arctic. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 3(5), 323-337.
Bergmann, M., Collard, F., Fabres, J., Gabrielsen, G. W., Provencher, J. F., Rochman, C. M., ... & Tekman, M. B. (2022). Plastic pollution in the Arctic. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 3(5), 323-337.
Noufal, K. K., Najeem, S., Latha, G., & Venkatesan, R. (2017). Seasonal and long term evolution of oceanographic conditions based on year-around observation in Kongsfjorden, Arctic Ocean. Polar Science, 11, 1-10.
Pakhomova, S., Berezina, A., Zhdanov, I., Mekhova, O., Ilinskaya, A., Golyakov, A., ... & Yakushev, E. (2024). Floating microplastics in Svalbard fjords: High spatial variability requires methodological consistency in estuarine systems. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 207, 116803.
Pakhomova, S., Berezina, A., Zhdanov, I., Mekhova, O., Ilinskaya, A., Golyakov, A., ... & Yakushev, E. (2024). Floating microplastics in Svalbard fjords: High spatial variability requires methodological consistency in estuarine systems. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 207, 116803.
Peeken, I., Primpke, S., Beyer, B., Gütermann, J., Katlein, C., Krumpen, T., ... & Gerdts, G. (2018). Arctic sea ice is an important temporal sink and means of transport for microplastic. Nature communications, 9(1), 1505.
Tekman, M. B., Wekerle, C., Lorenz, C., Primpke, S., Hasemann, C., Gerdts, G., & Bergmann, M. (2020). Tying up loose ends of microplastic pollution in the Arctic: distribution from the sea surface through the water column to deep-sea sediments at the HAUSGARTEN observatory. Environmental science & technology, 54(7), 4079-4090.

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