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Detection, characteristics, and some influencing factors of MPs in rainfall
Summary
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.