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A Review of Atmospheric Micro/Nanoplastics: Insights into Source and Fate for Modelling Studies
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This review synthesizes current knowledge on sources, atmospheric transport, and environmental fate of micro- and nanoplastics in the atmosphere, identifying key knowledge gaps including the long-range transport potential, dry and wet deposition rates, and health implications of inhaled airborne plastic particles.
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging pollutants, have attracted increasing attention due to their potential adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, and climate. The rapid, turbulent, and large-scale nature of atmospheric transport facilitates both horizontal and vertical movement of MNPs over long distances within a short time, largely independent of topographical constraints, thereby accelerating their global cycle and exacerbating their impacts. Research on the atmospheric life cycle of MNPs primarily relies on a combination of observations and numerical modelling, yet emission estimates remain the major source of uncertainty, posing substantial challenges for lifecycle assessment. This review synthesises findings from atmospheric observations and numerical modelling studies conducted over the past five years to examine the sources and long-range transport dynamics of MNPs, as well as the key factors influencing their transport, while also quantifying uncertainties in emission flux estimates. Two major uncertainties persist: the wide variability in marine emission estimates, which span four orders of magnitude, and the unresolved question of whether terrestrial or marine sources are the dominant contributors to atmospheric micro/nanoplastic emissions. Furthermore, this review highlights critical factors driving these uncertainties, including limited data availability, inconsistencies in observational methodologies, oversimplified simulations, and gaps in understanding atmospheric cycling mechanisms. Additionally, variations in the particle size ranges targeted by different observational and modelling studies hinder cross-comparisons and model evaluations, representing another important source of uncertainty. To address these issues, we call for establishing a global network of standardised observations, improving sampling and simulation practices, and incorporating artificial intelligence. These strategies will enhance our understanding of the complete atmospheric cycle of MNPs, paving the way for more effective environmental management and better-informed policy decisions.
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A Review of Atmospheric Micro/Nanoplastics: Insights into Source and Fate for Modelling Studies
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This review synthesizes current knowledge about how micro- and nanoplastics move through the atmosphere, covering their sources, transport mechanisms, and eventual deposition. Researchers found that atmospheric transport can carry these particles over long distances quickly, making it a major pathway for global plastic pollution spread. The study identifies key knowledge gaps needed for developing accurate models of airborne microplastic behavior.
Atmospheric Micro and Nanoplastics: An Enormous Microscopic Problem
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This review examined atmospheric micro- and nanoplastic pollution, synthesizing evidence that plastic particles are suspended, transported, and deposited globally through atmospheric pathways, concluding that air represents a major but understudied route of human exposure and environmental dispersal requiring integration into plastic pollution models.
A Comparative Examination of Atmospheric Models for Studying Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution
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This review compares existing atmospheric transport models for micro- and nanoplastics, examining how different modeling frameworks handle particle emission, transport, deposition, and fate. The authors find that large uncertainties remain due to poorly constrained emission inventories and limited atmospheric measurement data, and identify priority gaps for improving model accuracy.
Microplastics in the Atmosphere
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This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on microplastic pollution in the atmosphere, covering sources, transport, deposition, and potential health effects of inhaled airborne microplastics. The authors note that initial research focused on marine environments but atmospheric microplastic pollution is a rapidly growing concern.
Microplastics as an Emerging Source of Particulate Air Pollution
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This review examines the growing body of research on airborne microplastics as a source of particulate air pollution, covering their sources, transport mechanisms, and presence in both indoor and outdoor environments. Researchers highlight that airborne microplastics can travel long distances and have been found in remote locations far from population centers. The study underscores significant gaps in our understanding of how inhaling these tiny plastic particles may affect human health.
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