The results of the study, detailed in a paper published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, have raised alarm among scientists about the extent of plastic pollution in historically significant regions. 24 Channels.

Details of the unpleasant discovery

The research team, led by John Scofield, professor of archeology at the University of York, analyzed sediment samples collected from two sites in York in the 1980s, as well as modern samples from nearby sites. Surprisingly, both archival deposits and modern examples Contained traces of microplastic.

According to Scofield, the presence of microplastics in these ancient sediments suggests that plastic pollution may have occurred long before the samples were deposited. Located in the floodplain of the Use River, these sites were probably contaminated by the movement of water.

This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence proving that plastic pollution is ubiquitous. A separate study in Latvia found layers of microplastics dating back to the 1700s; This reveals the widespread penetration of plastics into the natural and historical environment.

The consequences of plastic pollution for the integrity of archaeological sites and their significance to national heritage remain unclear. Scofield emphasizes that further research is needed to assess the extent to which this contamination compromises the evidentiary value of these historic sites.