We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Potential source contribution function coupled with mass spectrometry detection to identify source of atmospheric polyethylene terephthalate
AI summary Read the abstract
Using hourly liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and potential source contribution function analysis, researchers identified atmospheric PET microplastic sources in a Chinese city, finding average concentrations of 112.9 ng/m³ with major contributions from textile and packaging industries.
Source identification of atmospheric microplastics (MPs) is crucial for the development of mitigation policies. Compared with wind directions or backward trajectories of air masses, the potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis identifies more comprehensive sources of atmospheric particles. However, conducting PSCF analysis requires hourly pollutant concentration data, which cannot be met by the atmospheric MPs abundance obtained through commonly used methods. In this study, total suspended particles (TSP) samples were collected hourly and the concentrations of atmospheric polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were detected using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Atmospheric concentrations of PET MPs were 112.9 ± 39.04 ng/m³ (average ± SD). Based on the hourly backward trajectories of air masses and the varied PET concentrations at the sampling site, potential sources of atmospheric PET were identified by PSCF analysis. The backward trajectory-based method indicates that atmospheric PET of the target site in this study primarily originates from dry farmlands. In comparison, both the residential areas and the dry farmlands were identified by PSCF as major sources of atmospheric PET at the receptor site. In contrast, both the backward-trajectory based method and PSCF analysis indicate that TSP mainly originates from the dry farmlands near the sampling site. This indicates that atmospheric PET in urban areas may have different sources from those of TSP, and PSCF is a suitable method for identifying sources of atmospheric PET.
More Papers Like This
Determination of mass concentrations of airborne PET microplastics using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
AI summary Read the abstract
Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, this study measured airborne polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics in the inhalable fraction of ambient particulate matter. The ability to quantify specific polymer types in breathable air is a methodological advance that will help researchers assess how much plastic people inhale daily and what health risks that poses to the respiratory system.
Microplastics in the atmospheric of the eastern coast of China: different function areas reflecting various sources and transport
AI summary Read the abstract
Atmospheric sampling at two sites in a Chinese coastal city found microplastics suspended in the air at both downtown and industrial locations, but with different dominant sources — lifestyle and consumer products in the city center versus industrial activity in the industrial zone. The finding that microplastics are transported through the atmosphere confirms that people in urban areas are inhaling plastic particles regardless of proximity to industrial facilities.
Spatial distribution, source apportionment and potential ecological risk assessment of suspended atmosphere microplastics in different underlying surfaces in Harbin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and sources of airborne microplastics suspended in the atmosphere across six different land-use types in Harbin, China. They found microplastics present above all surfaces, with polypropylene, PET, and polyethylene being the most common types. The study used source analysis to trace the contamination to local activities and assessed the potential ecological risk of breathing in these suspended particles.
Mass distribution of PET and PC microplastics in the atmosphere of Tianjin, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured the mass distribution of PET and polycarbonate microplastics in total suspended particles collected from the urban atmosphere of Tianjin, China, finding that East Asian monsoon dynamics influence seasonal and spatial patterns of atmospheric microplastic distribution. The study provides quantitative data on plastic polymer composition in urban air under monsoon-affected conditions.
Accurate quantification and transport estimation of suspended atmospheric microplastics in megacities: Implications for human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an improved sampling methodology for accurately quantifying suspended atmospheric microplastics in megacities. They found a significant relationship between sampling volume and particle counts, and identified that PET fibers and fragments dominated airborne microplastics, with plastic microbeads also detected in air for the first time. Using atmospheric modeling, the study estimated that megacities can transport substantial quantities of airborne microplastics to surrounding regions, with implications for human inhalation exposure.
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.