We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Atmospheric microplastics in PM2.5 from 2010 to 2024 in Beijing: Type-specific trends and driving factors
Summary
The first 15-year continuous monitoring study of microplastics in Beijing's breathable PM2.5 air particles found a steady increase from 2010 to 2024, averaging 264 nanograms per cubic meter, with PVC, polystyrene, and polypropylene as the dominant types. Because these particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and carry toxic plastic additives, rising airborne microplastic concentrations in megacities represent a growing public health concern.
Atmospheric microplastics in respirable PM2.5 (MP2.5) have attracted widespread attention, yet their characteristics, major sources, and factors influencing their emission remain poorly understood. We present the first long-term (2010-2024) observation of atmospheric MP2.5 in Beijing, quantified with pyrolysis-gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. Our investigation of type-specific trends and driving factors revealed an overall increasing trend in MP2.5 concentration, with an average level of 264 ng/m3 and a peak of 417.6 ng/m3 in 2021. The distinct trends of MP2.5 and PM2.5 concentrations suggest that their major sources differ, necessitating different regulation measures for each. PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PS (polystyrene), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), and PA66 (polyamide 66) are the predominant types of MP2.5, differing markedly from the pattern in dustfall or total suspended particulate matter. PS, PP, and PP correlated positively with express delivery volume and total retail sales of consumer goods, implicating packaging material as a potential major source. PA66 and PVC, which are widely used in disposable medical supplies such as protective suits, responded sensitively to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings reveal that socioeconomic activities strongly influence the long-term evolution of MP2.5 patterns, and provide a scientific basis for related risk assessments.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic atmospheric dustfall pollution in urban environment: Evidence from the types, distribution, and probable sources in Beijing, China
Researchers collected atmospheric dustfall samples across urban Beijing and analyzed the types, distribution, and likely sources of airborne microplastics. They found that synthetic fibers from textiles and fragments from various plastic products were the dominant forms, with concentrations varying by location and proximity to pollution sources. The study provides evidence that urban atmospheric microplastic pollution is widespread and likely linked to daily human activities and industrial processes.
Abundance of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban atmosphere
Scientists measured microplastics and nanoplastics in the air of two major Chinese cities and found concentrations reaching hundreds of thousands of particles per cubic meter. Road dust being kicked up by traffic and rainfall washing particles out of the sky were the two biggest drivers of atmospheric plastic pollution. These findings suggest that city residents are inhaling significant amounts of plastic particles every day, with potential implications for respiratory and overall health.
Micro/nanoplastics in the Shenyang city atmosphere: Distribution and sources
Researchers measured micro- and nanoplastics in airborne particulate matter in Shenyang, China, and found plastic particles in every sample tested, with concentrations averaging 7.62 micrograms per cubic meter and making up about 12% of fine particulate matter. Since these tiny airborne plastics can be inhaled deep into the lungs, they represent a direct route of human exposure that may contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
[Distribution, Respiratory Exposure, and Traceability of Atmospheric Microplastics in Yichang City].
Researchers sampled airborne microplastics at 16 locations across Yichang City, China, and found them in every area, with the highest concentrations settling over urban residential neighborhoods. The particles were mostly polyester fibers and came predominantly from nearby sources rather than long-range transport. Daily inhalation estimates were calculated for both adults and children, highlighting indoor and outdoor respiratory exposure as a meaningful human health concern that warrants tighter monitoring.
Atmospheric microplastic deposition in a valley city over a five-year period: sources, ecological risks, spatiotemporal distributions and influencing factors
A five-year (2019–2023) monitoring study in a valley city found rising atmospheric microplastic deposition, with summer peaks over four times higher than winter lows, strongly influenced by precipitation, wind, temperature, and urban activity levels. Long-term data showing increasing airborne microplastic trends have direct implications for inhalation exposure in urban populations.