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Abstract

Did you know that plastic waste is so widespread across our planet that it can be found even in the far north, in the Arctic Ocean? Plastic ends up in the environment in many different ways, and researchers are trying to figure out how this pollution affects the animals and plants living in environments that contain plastic waste. Here comes a message in a bottle from the North Pole, telling you a story about tiny pieces of plastic in the Arctic Ocean. How is it even possible for plastic waste to reach the Arctic Ocean? What happens to the plastic once it is there? Is the plastic harming Arctic animals? And how can we prevent plastic pollution? Join us on a chilling story about plastic pollution in our northernmost waters: the fascinating Arctic Ocean.

Published in Frontiers for Young Minds by :

Lisa W. von Friesen

I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Copenhagen. I am really fascinated about the Arctic Ocean and how humans impact it. I study tiny things in the ocean, such as microplastics and microorganisms. I try to better understand where in the Arctic Ocean microplastics and chemicals from plastics are found, and how they got there. I also study how microorganisms (like bacteria) impact the availability of nutrients that bigger organisms in the Arctic Ocean need to grow. I like sailing, horse-back riding and diving. *lisa.vonfriesen@bio.ku.dk

Nanna B. Hartmann

I am a senior researcher at the Technical University of Denmark. My research is about how small particles, including nanomaterials and microplastics, behave in the environment. I am interested in understanding their distribution, if and how they degrade and how they affect animals. I am also interested in how we can avoid (or minimize) pollution. At the same time, I am passionate about communication and gender equality in science. I spend my free time on yoga, jewelry making and my family, which includes my husband, two sons, and two cats.

Geir W. Gabrielsen

I am a section leader in toxicology at the Norwegian Polar Institute and professor in biology at The University Center in Svalbard. My research relates to finding new pollutants in the Arctic environment, pollutants in marine food chains, and effects of pollutants on Arctic seabirds. Lately, I have investigated effects of plastic pollution on seabirds and marine mammals. I think communicating my science to young generations is important. I have produced two children’s books (Arctic Seabirds and Plastic Sea). A third book about pollutants in the Arctic is under production.

Sinja Rist

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Denmark and I have been working on microplastics and their interactions with aquatic animals for many years. I am very interested in finding out how pollution from microplastics and chemicals impacts our ecosystems, especially in the changing conditions that come with climate change. I am especially passionate about the ocean and I work with some of the tiniest swimming animals (zooplankton). In my free time I love going diving and snorkeling. *siri@aqua.dtu.dk