We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Detection, characteristics, and some influencing factors of MPs in rainfall
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review synthesized global evidence that microplastics are transported through the troposphere and deposited via rainfall even in remote regions, with PET, polypropylene, polyamide, and polyethylene as the dominant polymers found in rainwater, and meteorological factors controlling variability. The findings confirm that atmospheric transport and precipitation represent a major dispersal vector for microplastics, meaning contamination of soils, drinking water sources, and human food systems is partly driven by weather patterns.
This article systematically reviews the presence of microplastics in rainfall, highlighting their global prevalence, even in remote areas, and summarizing the primary techniques used to study them. The review encompasses studies published up to January 2025, revealing that microplastics are transported in the troposphere and deposited through precipitation, with their dynamics influenced by wind and rainfall. The findings suggest that rainfall plays a significant role in removing microplastics from the troposphere to the surface, although concentrations can vary both within and between rainfall events. The effects of wind are more variable, as it can either disperse particles or transport them, potentially leading to fluctuations in microplastic concentrations. The predominant polymers identified in rainwater include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), and polyethylene (PE), reflecting the widespread use of these materials in modern society. This review emphasizes the importance of meteorological factors in understanding the transport and deposition of microplastics in the environment.
More Papers Like This
Case Study—Risks Posed by MPs Presence and Transport in Brisbane River Sediments, Australia
AI summary Read the abstract
This case study characterized the environmental risk and transport behavior of microplastics in urban river sediments collected from 22 sites along the Brisbane River in Australia, analyzing how sediment dynamics move plastic particles through the watershed. Urban river sediments act as both sinks and secondary sources of microplastic contamination, threatening downstream aquatic life and water quality used for human consumption.
MPs Properties, Classification, Characterization, Sources, Environmental and Health Impact
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers provide a comprehensive overview of microplastic properties, classification systems, characterization methods, and environmental sources, tracing how increasing plastic consumption and waste generation drives the accumulation of these diverse pollutants across land, water, and living organisms.
Ecotoxicological Effects of MPs as Emerging Micropollutants: Examination of Biomarkers, Current State, and Future Perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics as emerging micropollutants, reviewing biomarker responses across terrestrial and aquatic organisms and highlighting how combined environmental stressors amplify the harm microplastics pose to biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Novel Techniques in Quantifying Microplastics in Atmospheric Particles
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed novel analytical techniques for detecting and quantifying microplastics in atmospheric particles, addressing methodological gaps in measuring airborne plastic contamination in both remote and urban environments. Atmospheric microplastics represent an inhalation exposure pathway that is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to total human microplastic body burden, making robust atmospheric quantification methods essential for health risk assessment.
Applications of Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment: MPs Removal, Mechanisms and Future Perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how membrane bioreactor technology can remove microplastics from wastewater far more effectively than conventional treatment plants, potentially preventing millions of plastic particles per day from being discharged into rivers and oceans.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.