American Invest Hub
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News

American Invest Hub

  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News
Latest News

Archaeologists are now finding microplastics in ancient remains

by admin March 27, 2024
March 27, 2024
Archaeologists are now finding microplastics in ancient remains

Microplastics have been found in historic soil samples for the first time, according to a new study, potentially upending the way archaeological remains are preserved.

Researchers found microplastics in soil deposits more than seven meters (23 feet) underground, which were deposited in the first or second century CE and excavated in the 1980s, a team led by researchers from the University of York in the United Kingdom said in a statement published Friday.

In total, the study identified 16 different microplastic polymer types in contemporary and archived soil samples, the statement adds.

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are no larger than five millimeters (0.2 inches)—about the size of a single sesame seed—and form when larger plastics break down, either by chemically degrading or physically wearing down into smaller pieces.

They were also commonly used in some beauty products until around 2020, say researchers, and conversations about their proliferation in the world around us have spiked in recent years.

There are concerns about the impact of microplastics on the environment and on human health, but this latest study also suggests they could force a change in the entire field of archaeology.

While preserving archaeological remains in situ has been the favored approach in recent years, the new findings could trigger a change in approach, as microplastic contamination could compromise the remains’ scientific value.

“This feels like an important moment, confirming what we should have expected: that what were previously thought to be pristine archaeological deposits, ripe for investigation, are in fact contaminated with plastics, and that this includes deposits sampled and stored in the late 1980s,” John Schofield, a professor and director of studies in the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said in the statement.

“We are familiar with plastics in the oceans and in rivers. But here we see our historic heritage incorporating toxic elements. To what extent this contamination compromises the evidential value of these deposits, and their national importance is what we’ll try to find out next.”

David Jennings, chief executive of York Archaeology, explained why microplastic contamination is such a concern.

“Our best-preserved remains—for example, the Viking finds at Coppergate (in the city of York)— were in a consistent anaerobic waterlogged environment for over 1000 years, which preserved organic materials incredibly well,” he said in the statement.

“The presence of microplastics can and will change the chemistry of the soil, potentially introducing elements which will cause the organic remains to decay. If that is the case, preserving archaeology in situ may no longer be appropriate.”

The study was published in Science of the Total Environment.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Ecuador’s youngest mayor shot dead, police say
next post
China hits back at US, UK for sanctions on espionage hacks as coordinated pressure on Beijing grows

Related Posts

Israel has ‘no choice’ but Rafah offensive, Netanyahu tells...

March 29, 2024

Who runs DOGE? White House says it’s Amy...

February 26, 2025

January jobs report: hiring expected to cool, unemployment...

February 8, 2025

Indian IT stocks plunge as US slowdown fears...

February 28, 2025

Gold price outlook: can safe haven demand drive...

December 9, 2024

5 jailed for murdering Ecuadorian presidential candidate

July 14, 2024

Ecuadorians head to polls for referendum as Noboa...

April 23, 2024

Wanted Catalan separatist Puigdemont reappears in Spain to...

August 8, 2024

Decline in female business leaders in Britain: a...

October 17, 2024

Russia’s presidential election is nearing. We already know...

February 26, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest News

    • FBI raid on John Bolton’s home in Washington linked to classified documents

      August 25, 2025
    • Argentine senate deals blow to Milei’s austerity agenda with university budget boost

      August 25, 2025
    • Jackson Hole Symposium: what Powell said about economic effects of Trump’s tariffs

      August 25, 2025
    • At Jackson Hole, Fed Chair Powell signals possible cuts while warning of uncertainty

      August 25, 2025
    • Trump threatens to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook amid mortgage fraud allegations

      August 25, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (3,763)
    • Investing (2,783)
    • Latest News (2,048)
    • Politics (1,530)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: americaninvesthub.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 americaninvesthub.com | All Rights Reserved