COLUMNAR ICE FORMATION. Examination of ice growth variations and effect of microplastics through light absorption and thin sections

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a method for producing lab-grown standard columnar ice cores. The cores are one inch in diameter and about 2,7 cm in length. The cores are examined using light absorption and thin section analysis. Three cores are produced with microplastic particles and examined using light absorption. The temperature of the water that was poured into the cylinder mold was the main variable tested. The best cores were produced using 50°C water. The absorbance measurements for all cores yielded the same result, producing similar looking curves. The thin section analysis was made with three sample cores. The columnar ice growth pattern with the vertical growth direction can be seen in the thin sections. The cores containing microplastics were measured using light absorption. The result showed similar curves for all three cores, but the cores produced were sub-optimal. This study is a first step into the world of microplastics and its effect on ice, but more research is needed.