Nanoplastics that can enter human blood stream now found as far away as Antarctica

British researchers studying the worldwide distribution of potentially dangerous microscopic plastic particles have discovered them in isolated Antarctic soils, raising serious concerns.

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent an escalating, systemic danger to human health through their penetration of vital organ systems and ability to cause cellular harm.

While Microplastics (measuring 5 mm or less in length) typically accumulate in the human digestive tract, nanoplastics (measuring one micrometer or smaller) are compact enough to penetrate the bloodstream and individual cells. Research published in 2024 revealed that plastic particle consumption has surged sixfold since 1990, especially across numerous international hotspots, including the United States, China, regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and Scandinavia.

Recent sampling conducted by an international research team headed by Lancaster University has now detected nanoplastics in the McMurdo Dry Valleys – an exceptionally isolated and ice-free area of Antarctica.

The research, featured in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, demonstrates that plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and tire wear particles were all discovered in soils during testing conducted in January 2023.

Lancaster University reported: “Plastics were found in the topsoils of thirteen sample sites, and nanoplastics found in 54% of topsoil sample sites.”

“Nanoplastics were also found in deeper soil layers, albeit at lower concentrations, at half of sites sampled.

“The discovery of the nanoplastics in the samples has been made possible by advances in analytical techniques.

“The researchers used a recently developed technique called ‘thermal desorption-proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry’. This is a highly sensitive technique that is capable of detecting plastic nanoparticles.”

The scientists suspect the plastics may be entering the Antarctic environment through research stations located on the continent, or being carried vast distances through atmospheric transport.

However, they acknowledge that further investigation is needed to determine exactly how the nanoplastics are reaching Antarctica’s soils and what their potential effects might be on this delicate and unspoiled ecosystem.

Dr Nhu Phan, the study’s lead author who performed the research as a PhD candidate at Lancaster University, stated: “This evidence shows that soils in one of Earth’s most pristine environments are not exempt from plastic contamination.

“These findings highlight the urgent need to study plastic fate, transport and ecological impacts in polar regions.”

The scientists say their discoveries, along with the possible consequences for Antarctic ecosystems, are troubling.