We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Deposition of Roadside Atmospheric Non-Tire Wear Microplastics: Characteristics and Influencing Factors
Summary
A year-long roadside study measured the atmospheric deposition of microplastics in two size fractions, finding deposition rates of 3–9 million particles per hectare per month for larger particles and identifying polymers including PP, PE, PS, PVC, PET, and nylon. Traffic was the dominant source of larger particles near the road, while wind patterns dispersed smaller particles more broadly from industrial sources. Roads are a major but underappreciated source of airborne microplastic deposition into surrounding soils and waterways, and this study quantifies that contribution with new precision.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics (MPs) contributes to the contamination of both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Roads show high MP deposition, yet the factors influencing the deposition rate and characteristics (polymer types and sizes) remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated atmospheric MPs in two size fractions: 45–300 μm (small) and ≥300 μm (large), collected monthly for one year using a bulk deposition method. Large MPs were visually sorted and characterized via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for polymer identification, while smaller MPs were quantified by measuring non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) using a total organic carbon (TOC analyzer), without polymer characterization. Deposition rates of large MPs ranged from 3 to 9 million pcs/ha/month, while small MPs averaged 72.2 gC/ha/month. Identified polymers included PP, PE, PS, PVC, PET, PVAC, PA, and PU. Traffic mainly influenced large MPs, especially PET and PA, near roads, whereas wind direction and intensity enhanced dispersal of small MPs and the transport of PVC, PS, and PU. Predominant easterly winds also indicated possible contributions from industrial and other anthropogenic sources. By focusing on the road area, integrating influence of traffic and meteorological factors, and adapting TOC-based carbon quantification, this study provides new insights and extends existing knowledge in the field.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Global emission, atmospheric transport and deposition trends of microplastics originating from road traffic
This modeling study estimated global emissions, atmospheric transport, and deposition of microplastics from road traffic sources, finding that road-derived microplastics are transported long distances by wind and deposited in remote locations including the Arctic. The findings quantify roads as a globally important source of atmospheric microplastic pollution.
Characterization of Airborne Microplastics Particles on Urban Roads: Types, Sizes, and Total Particles
Researchers collected airborne microplastic samples from urban road environments and characterized particle types, sizes, color distributions, and polymer compositions, finding tire-wear rubber and paint fragments alongside fiber and film fragments from packaging and textiles.
Microplastic and tyre wear particles at a highway: a case study from Norway
Researchers monitored microplastics and tire wear particles (tiny rubber fragments shed by vehicles) in air, road runoff, and road dust along a busy Norwegian highway, finding the highest concentrations in road dust and the lowest in air. The study demonstrates that traffic is a major source of microplastic pollution across multiple environmental pathways.
Concentrations of tire wear microplastics and other traffic-derived non-exhaust particles in the road environment
Researchers measured actual environmental concentrations of tire wear microplastics and other traffic-derived non-exhaust particles in a rural highway setting, providing field-based data to complement the theoretical estimates that dominate current literature.
Temporal Distribution of Airborne Microplastics at an Urban Roadside
Researchers conducted a year-long sampling program for airborne microplastics at an urban roadside site in Zhengzhou, China, finding that traffic volume, seasonal variation, and meteorological conditions influenced the temporal distribution and polymer composition of atmospheric microplastics. Micro-Raman spectroscopy identified the dominant polymer types present in traffic-adjacent air.