Abstract: Microplastics are plastic fragments, threads, fibers, microspheres or films with a particle size of less than 5 mm and they can enter the Antarctic through human activities, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and biological carriers. In this study, we summarize and categorize studies on plastic (especially microplastic) ingestion by Antarctic organisms pulished between 1980 and 2022. We describe the current status of microplastic ingestion by Antarctic organisms in descending order of trophic level and compare the degree of microplastic contamination in Antarctic organisms with other regions. Microplastic enrichment exists in Antarctica from low trophic levels to high trophic levels. Microplastic contamination in Antarctic organisms is at a middle-lower level globally. However, there is a paucity of research on microplastics in Antarctic organisms, and the potential long-term effects of microplastics on Antarctic organisms are unknown, so that it’s an urgent need to strengthen relevant monitoring research.

Key words: microplastic, invertebrates, fish, birds, marine mammals, Antarctic region