Ancient Soil Reveals Shocking Presence of Microplastics

A revolutionary study has identified the presence of microplastics in soil samples dating back to the first or second century CE, marking the first occasion these pollutants have been found in ancient soils. This discovery, made by researchers at the University of York, suggests a potential shift in the methods used to protect archaeological sites.

The investigation, details of which were published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, revealed microplastics as deep as over 23 feet (7.01 meters) in the ground. The team identified 16 varieties of microplastic polymers in both modern and historical soil samples, according to an announcement from the university.

Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters (0.2 inches), typically result from the breakdown of larger plastic items through chemical degradation or physical fragmentation. Previously, these small particles were often found in cosmetic products up until around 2020.

The study not only highlights environmental and health concerns associated with microplastics but also suggests that their presence in archaeological layers may necessitate a reassessment of conservation practices in the field.

Concerns regarding microplastics’ impact on both the environment and human health have been escalating. According to CNN, the implications of microplastics could extend to fundamentally altering archaeological methodologies.

The integrity of archaeological sites, traditionally preserved in their original locations, might be compromised due to microplastic pollution, potentially leading to changes in how such remains are conserved.

John Schofield, a University of York professor, emphasized the significance of these findings. He pointed out the historical assumption of unspoiled archaeological layers, now proven to be contaminated with plastics, including samples collected in the late 1980s.

David Jennings, the CEO of York Archaeology, discussed how microplastics might affect the soil’s chemistry, threatening the preservation of organic materials like those discovered at Coppergate in York. These Viking-era finds were exceptionally well-preserved due to their waterlogged, oxygen-free conditions over a millennium. However, the introduction of microplastics could alter the soil environment, leading to the deterioration of these organic remains and challenging the feasibility of in-situ preservation.