0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Sign in to save

Investigating the atmospheric deposition of microplastics in south central appalachia in the united states

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) 2026 Score: 40 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Adam Elnahas, Jennie Lee, Jennie Lee, Nora Alamiri, Nishan Pokhrel, Nishan Pokhrel, Austin Gray, Hosein Foroutan

Summary

This study measured microplastics falling from the atmosphere in the south-central Appalachian region of the United States, adding to evidence that atmospheric deposition is a widespread route by which microplastics reach remote and rural environments far from obvious pollution sources. The findings suggest that even people in relatively undeveloped areas are being exposed to airborne microplastics.

Investigating the atmospheric deposition of microplastics in south central appalachia in the united states

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Investigating the atmospheric deposition of microplastics in south central appalachia in the united states

This study measured microplastics falling from the atmosphere in the south-central Appalachian region of the United States, adding to evidence that atmospheric deposition is a widespread route by which microplastics reach remote and rural environments far from obvious pollution sources. The findings suggest that even people in relatively undeveloped areas are being exposed to airborne microplastics.

Article Tier 2

Atmospheric Deposition of Microplastics in South Central Appalachia in the United States

This is the first study to measure airborne microplastic deposition in the eastern United States, specifically in remote areas of South Central Appalachia. Researchers found an average of 68 microplastic particles landing per square meter per day, mostly polyester fibers. Scaled across the region, this amounts to an estimated 321 metric tonnes of microplastics settling from the air each year, highlighting how widespread atmospheric plastic pollution has become.

Article Tier 2

Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in urban, rural, forest environments: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality

Researchers measured airborne microplastic deposition across urban, rural, and forest areas in South Africa and found microplastics falling from the sky everywhere, with urban areas receiving the highest amounts at about 356 particles per square meter per day. This means people are continuously exposed to microplastics through the air they breathe, even in relatively remote locations.

Article Tier 2

Importance of atmospheric transport for microplastics deposited in remote areas

This study highlights atmospheric transport as a significant and underappreciated pathway for depositing micro- and nanoplastics in remote areas including mountain regions and polar zones far from plastic sources. Airborne plastic particles can travel thousands of kilometers before being deposited, explaining the presence of microplastics in seemingly pristine remote environments.

Article Tier 2

Comprehensive Analysis of Atmospheric Microplastic Deposition: Insights from North Wales, UK, and Global Collaborations.

This study conducted extensive atmospheric microplastic deposition monitoring in North Wales, UK, combining local data with global collaborations to characterize deposition rates, polymer types, and seasonal patterns, finding measurable microplastic fallout even in rural areas.

Share this paper