Research shows that up to 234 particles have been found concentrated into just one litre of melted Arctic sea ice. That's much higher than in the open ocean.
Researchers explain that sea ice forms from the top. By unfortunate coincidence, plastic particles also float at the surface, so they get bonded into the ice as it freezes
They are not yet sure how much of a threat this presents.
But they are worried about the impact on Arctic wildlife if the particles are released as sea ice continues to shrink.
Indonesian customs officials say they will send eight shipping containers of paper back to Australia after they found household garbage including used nappies and electronics inside.
Key points:
* The eight containers of paper waste were sent to Surabaya in June for recycling
* But an inspection found household garbage among the paper waste
* Indonesian customs officials say it was sent by Australian company Oceanic Multitrading
About 210 tonnes of waste from Brisbane has been stranded on a dock in the city of Surabaya since June when suspicions were raised the shipment may have been contaminated.
Indonesian officials on Tuesday announced a full inspection has found that the shipment of paper also included motor oil containers, old CDs, a television set top box and a remote control.
The containers have been deemed contaminated by toxic or hazardous materials and will be returned.
Photo: An Indonesian customs official displays some of the waste, including a dirty nappy, which was among the paper. (ABC News: David Lipson )
"It's very, very serious — especially because it's related to the environment, health concerns and the protection of the public," said Basuki Suryanto, the head of customs at Tanjung Perak Port.
Customs officials invited the media to inspect the containers at the dock in Surabaya.
They held up a cola bottle from Woolworths as well as an old edition of the Courier Mail.
"Countries who are concerned about the environment should set a good example to developing countries like Indonesia," Mr Suryanto said.
Officials said the waste was sent to Surabaya by Sydney-based waste and recycling company, Oceanic Multitrading.
Photo: A customs official held up a copy of the Courier Mail to show that the shipment came from Queensland. (ABC News: David Lipson)
The company has not yet been contacted by Indonesian officials, but it is expected the containers will be returned in several months.
Authorities on some islands including Java have found plastic in containers of paper waste which were exported lawfully to local paper mills.
Photo: Foreign paper waste is imported to eastern Java for recycling. (Reuters: Antara Foto/Zabur Karuru)
The mills cannot use the plastic, and some have sold it to tofu factories which burn it for fuel to be used in their ovens.
However, the plastic produces toxic smoke that causes respiratory problems and contaminates local waterways.
Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of Environment and Forestry, said Indonesia would not hesitate to send back each and every illegal load of plastic found on its wharves.
Last month, Indonesia sent back a load of Canadian paper waste, imported via the United States, because it was contaminated with plastic, rubber and nappies.
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