Polar Particles: Atmospheric Microplastic Pollution in the Arctic Region – an examination of deposited and suspended microplastics in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

Abstract Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental concern due to their influence on human, environmental and climate health. MPs have been reported globally, from large urban centres such as Shanghai, to remote regions as far as Antarctica. However, there are still considerable knowledge gaps regarding the presence, characteristics and transport pathways of MPs in remote regions. For the first time, deposition and suspended particulates in the planetary boundary layer in the Arctic are measured over a 28-day at Ny-Ålesund in Svalbard (78.9235° N, 11.9099° E), Norway. By utilising µRaman and Nile Red staining with fluorescence microscopy, the average deposition rate was found to be 37.31 ± 30.19 MP/m², with an average suspended particulate concentration of 4.15 ± 9.42 MP/m³. MP particles were primarily < 20 µm (72%) and fragments were the most common shape. Predominant polymers identified are Acrylic (16%), Polysulfone (PLS), (14%), Polyethersulfone (PES) (11%), and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (11%). Deposited particles were in general 1% greater in plastic content and had a higher PLS component than suspended atmospheric samples. Local weather data is used to explore the potential meteorological drivers and transport mechanisms affecting MP concentration. Modelling indicates as potential sources of pollution in Svalbard the North Atlantic Ocean, Northern Greenland and the High Arctic, but highlight that when higher concentrations were measured, the air was coming from continental Europe. This is the first time both suspended and deposited atmospheric MPs have been reported concurrently in the Arctic, providing crucial evidence of MP pollution transport and deposition in the Svalbard PBL. More consistent remote region sampling, analysis and reporting are needed for more effective comparison and monitoring of this pollutant in pristine and vulnerable locations such as the Arctic.