Studies
Arctic & Antarctic studies
Two groundbreaking studies have been commissioned to analyse the environmental impact of Cyclic Volatile Methylsiloxanes (cVMS), in the Northern and Southern hemisphere of the planet.
Arctic Research
The study, commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency aims to evaluate the potential for Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMS) to deposit in Arctic terrestrial and aquatic environments. The focus is on samples collected from the Zeppelin Observatory region, a remote location used for ongoing air and environmental monitoring. Silicones Europe extended this study with sample collections from the Ny- Ålesund settlement, a location with human inhabitants, and Diesetvatna, an even more remote location which is expected to be free from local cVMS sources.
Across the locations, samples were collected from soil, vegetation, sediment, fish, and air, with strict field and laboratory quality control.
The study provides strong evidence that cVMS levels in remote Arctic environments are low. It also shows that atmospheric deposition via snow and snowmelt is not a major pathway for cVMS contamination. While Ny-Ålesund has slightly higher air concentrations, this is expected due to its potential as a local source. However, the impact of these air concentrations on local soil and aquatic environments appears negligible.
Antarctica Research
Silicones Europe (SiE) and the Global Silicones Council (GSC) have jointly commissioned a monitoring study in the Antarctic to gather robust scientific data on cyclic Volatile Methylsiloxanes (cVMS) concentrations in Antarctica’s air, surface media and aquatic biota.
The study aims to address scientific uncertainties around potential long-range transport and the deposition of these substances in distant areas.
Sampling activities
The first bulletin provides information on four research stations in Antarctica, operated by Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Norway, are involved in the study. The bulletin provides updates from January 2024, including progress at each station, sample collection, and precautions taken to prevent sample contamination.
The research involves collecting samples of air, soil, moss, lichen, phytoplankton, krill, and sediment. Once collected, these samples are stored at -20°C and shipped back to Europe, around May-June.
Shipment of samples to Europe
The second bulletin provides updates from April to July 2024, including progress at each station, sample collection, and monitoring processes.
This phase involves collecting samples of krill, sediment, air, and plankton. Once collected, these samples are transported to Europe for testing. The process of transporting these samples requires meticulous care to maintain their integrity and comply with various international regulations.
Sample analysis
The third bulletin provides updates from July to January 2024, including progress at each station, sample collection, and anticipation of sample analysis results. Preliminary results from air samples are expected at the end of 2024, other preliminary results at the beginning of 2025, and the final report for the project in Q3 2025.
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