The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a mission to research the presence and impact of microplastics in Antarctica. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm. These were first detected in Antarctica in 2009, in sea ice samples collected in East Antarctica by University of Tasmania (Australia) researchers. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/iaea-launches-microplastic-pollution-research-project-in-antarctica-2024-01-08