A groundbreaking study has revealed a disturbing revelation in the heart of York, UK, where microplastics have infiltrated a 2nd-century archaeological site, raising concerns about the preservation of historical artifacts and the integrity of the soil.
Despite meticulous preservation efforts, researchers have unearthed evidence of at least 16 different types of microplastics penetrating up to 7 meters (23 feet) deep into the soil of this region renowned for its Viking and Roman history. This alarming discovery challenges the longstanding practice of preserving archaeological finds in their original location.
Archaeologist David Jennings from York Archaeology warns that the presence of microplastics could alter the chemistry of the soil, potentially accelerating the decay of organic remains and rendering traditional preservation methods ineffective.
The pilot study, conducted by University of Hull ecotoxicologist Jeanette Rotchell and colleagues, compared samples collected decades ago with freshly retrieved soil from equivalent depths. Shockingly, both sets of samples contained plastic fragments ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm, indicating that microplastics had permeated the soil as far back as the 1980s.
The most common types of plastics identified were ethylene vinyl alcohol/ethylene-vinyl acetate and PP:PE copolymer, suggesting multiple sources of contamination such as the nearby River Ouse, rainfall, and leaking water mains.
While microplastic pollution is typically associated with modern environments, this study underscores its pervasive presence in historical contexts, posing a significant threat to archaeological integrity.
Ironically, researchers suggest that these “techno fossils” could offer valuable insights for future archaeologists, providing fine dating resolution based on shifts in plastic polymers over time.
University of York archaeologist John Schofield emphasizes the need to assess the impact of microplastic contamination on the evidential value and national importance of these archaeological deposits, highlighting the urgency of further investigation.
As the world grapples with the ubiquitous presence of microplastics, their infiltration into ancient sites serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of plastic pollution on our past, present, and future.
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