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.

    • Strider
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      1 year ago

      It seems your /s was not sufficient. Sigh.

      • nexguy
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        1 year ago

        I stopped using /s when I leaned that it never really breaks down and you end up with microsarcastics in every thread.

        • OptionalBanned from community
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          1 year ago

          deleted by creator

      • taiyang
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        1 year ago

        It was actually the Etruscans. But common misconception…

        • zabadoh@ani.social
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          1 year ago

          Cave drawings by neanderthals in the Fertile Crescent in today’s Iraq depict them hunting mammoths and making plastic.

          • taiyang
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            1 year ago

            Ah yes, I remember now. Nerf darts are actually derivative of plastic arrows heads that were dated over hundreds of thousands of years ago. The design is neigh indistinguishable from that of our ancestors’ nerf arrows.

    • NineMileTower
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      1 year ago

      EDIT: OP added “/s” to his comment and my comment is no longer relevant. Carry on.