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A new data logger based on Raspberry-Pi to monitor the locomotion of Arctic invertebrates has been made, tested and deployed in field. The device uses infrared sensors to check in vivo the invertebrates picking up the locomotor activity, data are collected for the analysis. Thanks to the Raspberry Pi capabilities and features, the instrument proved to be suitable for extreme scenarios such as the polar environment, offering good performances obtained at a very low price. Preliminary test made in field have demonstrated its reliability. Some experimental considerations and the trend of the biological rhythms of the tadpole shrimp’s locomotor activity are also discussed.

The present paper provides the first record of ingestion of microplastics in natural context by Gammarus setosus from Svalbard Archipelago. The plastic particles were identified both by Nile Red staining and Micro FT-IR spectroscopy. The species studied ingests microplastic particles in natural conditions if present in its habitat, probably mistaking them as food. The microplastic particles ingested may be available for uptake to predators that consume this Arctic amphipod, producing consequences to the food web.

A new inexpensive data logger specific designed to monitor the behavior of small animals in extreme scenario will be presented. The new data logger is based on common, commercial affordable and reliable devices that assure inexpensiveness and, at the same time, could be the base for further reasonings and developments with the aim to improve the device to face stressing scenarios such as that aerospace. Preliminary test realized in laboratory and in field have demonstrated its reliability.