Microplastics Found in Roman-Era Soil Samples in England

Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to the study published in Science of The Total Environment and statements from the University of York.

In a finding that underscores the pervasive reach of plastic pollution, researchers have detected microplastics in soil samples from the English city of York that date back to the Roman and Viking eras. The samples, originally excavated in the 1980s and stored for later study, were found to be contaminated with plastic particles, according to a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment.

The discovery was made by a team led by John Schofield, a professor of archaeology at the University of York. The researchers analyzed sediment from two sites in York, comparing archived samples from the 1980s with contemporary samples from nearby locations. Chemical analysis revealed microplastics in both sets, indicating that the contamination occurred while the sediment was still in the ground, not during storage.

“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,” Schofield said in a statement.

The sites, located in the floodplain of the River Ouse, suggest that water movement may have carried the plastic particles into the soil over time. The findings align with a separate study in Latvia that found microplastics in layers dating to the 1700s, untouched by human activity, reinforcing the idea that plastic pollution has become a global contaminant affecting even the most remote and historically significant locations.

Implications for Archaeological Research

The presence of microplastics in ancient deposits raises questions about the reliability of archaeological evidence. Schofield noted that the contamination could compromise the evidential value of these deposits, which are often considered pristine and crucial for understanding past human activity. The extent of this compromise, and the national importance of the affected sites, will be the focus of future research, he added.

While the study does not specify the exact types or quantities of microplastics found, it highlights a growing concern among scientists about the longevity and mobility of plastic waste. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, have been found in oceans, rivers, and even human blood, but their presence in archaeological contexts is a relatively new area of investigation.

York, known for its Roman ruins and Viking-era artifacts, is a key site for archaeologists. The city's rich history makes it a prime location for studying past civilizations, but the new findings suggest that even the soil itself is not immune to modern pollution. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that plastic contamination is not just a modern environmental issue but also a challenge for historical preservation.

As researchers continue to investigate the extent of microplastic contamination in archaeological sites, the findings serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of plastic waste on the planet's history and heritage.