Türkiye's Arctic expedition studies climate change, microplastics

Türkiye’s sixth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition has concluded its scientific voyage to 82 degrees north after bringing together 12 researchers to carry out 12 projects in oceanography, biology and atmospheric sciences. The mission was coordinated by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye’s Polar Research Institute under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency and the Industry and Technology Ministry, according to expedition officials.

Scientists examine glaciers and bird populations

Paula Arbiza, a biologist representing the Uruguayan Antarctic Institute, studied Arctic fjord ecosystems affected by retreating glaciers to determine how climate change impacts surrounding environmental health. Arbiza collected sediment samples and examined small organisms as biological indicators while Boyan Michev of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences observed approximately 30 to 40 bird species over open waters to map their geographical distribution.

Arbiza noted that researchers would compare data collected during the expedition with findings from their Antarctic work to better understand how polar ecosystems in both hemispheres respond to rising temperatures and shrinking ice sheets. Michev stated that the observations would contribute to research on how environmental changes affect the habitats and movement patterns of Arctic bird populations that nest on land but travel over sea to feed.

Microplastic pollution detected in polar atmosphere

Arturo Huber of the Argentine Antarctic Institute investigated airborne microplastic pollution over the polar region using a system that captured particles on filters for laboratory analysis. Huber said the same method was previously used in Antarctica, enabling researchers to compare microplastic concentrations between the two polar regions and determine how particles originating far from the poles reach remote Arctic environments through atmospheric circulation.