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A mechanistic approach to evaluating atmospheric deposition of micro- and nanoplastic particles
Summary
This study developed a theoretical framework to better understand how microplastic and nanoplastic particles move through the atmosphere and deposit onto land and water surfaces via wet and dry deposition. By drawing on knowledge from how other aerosols like mineral dust behave, the researchers identified key physical processes — including particle size, shape, and density — that govern how far microplastics travel and where they land. The work is important for modeling the global spread of microplastic pollution, including to remote regions far from pollution sources.
Abstract Atmospheric deposition plays an important role in the global distribution and long-range transport potential of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs). However, our mechanistic understanding of contributing processes remains limited. While similarities in wet and dry deposition processes can be expected between MNPs and well-studied natural and anthropogenic aerosols (e.g. mineral dust, pollen, black carbon), no holistic theoretical framework currently accounts for specific MNP properties and their inherent heterogeneity. Here, we present an integrated mathematical description of atmospheric particle transport which incorporates MNP properties (size, shape, density and surface characteristics, including effects of environmental ageing) based on theory and empirical data. We find that estimated MNP half-lives in air can range from seconds to weeks, depending on MNP characteristics, land surface type, surface wind speed, atmospheric stratification and precipitation. MNPs with diameters of around 1 µm and fibres have highest potential for long-range atmospheric transport.
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