Uptake and effects of microplastics in Arctic bottom dwelling marine invertebrates

This research aims to determine and quantify uptake and effects of different types of microplastics in key sediment dwelling invertebrates inhabiting the coastal seas of Svalbard. Investigations will involve longer term experimental exposures,which simulate different scenarios. The scenatios will represent background concentrations, polluted site concentrations and future worst case scenario concentrations relevant to the Arctic. Plastic pollution is recognized by the UN, the EU through the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC), the Nordic council (Nordisk Miljøhandlingsprogram 2013-2018), the Arctic council (AMAP), and national governments worldwide, as a serious threat to the marine environment. Microplastic particles originate from a multitude of sources and occur as fragments or as virgin products. Our knowledge on microplastic pollution in the Arctic is very limited. Recent investigations show that microplastic particles are found in surface waters around Svalbard with higher concentrations detected in sub surface layers, on the sea floor down to 2 500 m depth, frozen into the lower turbid layer of sea ice from the Arctic Ocean, and as larger plastic fragments in Arctic seabirds. Sewage and waste water are identified as important sources of microplastics to the marine environment in temperate areas. Sewage treatment is generally lacking in the Arctic, as well as in the larger settlements on Svalbard. Consequently municipal, industrial and hospital wastewater is discharged directly into the sea. The relative importance of global, regional and local sources for microplastic pollution is currently unknown and the impact of microplastics on coastal marine organisms, ecosystems and resources in the Arctic remains yet to be determined.