We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Accumulation of airborne microplastics on leaves of different tree species in the urban environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastics collected on tree leaves in urban areas of the Netherlands and Portugal, finding that needle-shaped leaves from pine and fir trees captured the most particles per surface area. Trees appear to act as natural filters for airborne microplastics, especially the smallest particles, and more plastic accumulated on leaves during dry periods. This matters for human health because airborne microplastics are a growing source of exposure through breathing.
Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in the environment and they are linked to ecosystem and human health problems. The atmospheric transport of MPs and the role of tree leaves in MP atmospheric deposition has not been adequately studied. MP concentrations on the leaves of different tree species in urban regions of the Netherlands and Portugal, along with related MP deposition, were investigated in this study. We collected leaves from cedar, eucalyptus, oak, pine and willow trees, together with monthly deposition of particles under the trees and in the open space in Coimbra (Portugal). In Wageningen (the Netherlands), we collected leaves from a fir and a holly tree at different heights above the ground and with dry and wet weather conditions. MPs were extracted through density separation and quantified under a microscope. Polymer types were identified using μ-FTIR. The results showed a higher number of MP particles on the needle-shaped leaves from fir (2.52 ± 2.14 particles·cm-2) and pine (0.5 ± 0.13 particles·cm-2) and significantly lower numbers of MPs per cm2 of leaf area on the bigger leaves from eucalyptus (0.038 ± 0.003 particles·cm-2) and cedar (0.037 ± 0.002 particles·cm-2). All tree leaves seemed to filter airborne MPs, especially the smallest particles. A non-significantly higher number of particles on leaves was detected on lower tree branches and after dry periods. The deposition of MPs under trees was generally higher than in the open space. Our results indicated that part of the MPs retained by the tree leaves floats down to lower branches and to the soil surface. We also saw that different tree species had different capacities to retain particles on their leaves over time. To control the transport of MPs through the atmosphere, it is essential to consider the role of different vegetation types in filtering small particles, especially in cities.
More Papers Like This
Foliar retention of atmospheric microplastics: Influence of leaf surface properties and rainfall intensity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that leaf surface properties and rainfall intensity significantly influence how much atmospheric microplastics are retained on plant foliage, with leaves near a landfill retaining up to 0.80 items/cm2 and autumn showing the highest seasonal accumulation across five common urban tree species.
Urban trees as natural interceptors for aerial microplastics: Mechanisms, influencing factors, and selection of tree types for mitigation
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis found that urban trees intercept aerial microplastics through surface adhesion and chemical bonding, with fiber-shaped polypropylene particles under 1 mm most commonly captured on leaves. Indigenous evergreen species emerged as the most effective tree type for microplastic mitigation, and rainfall facilitates continuous interception cycles by washing particles from leaf surfaces.
Terrestrial plants as a potential temporary sink of atmospheric microplastics during transport
AI summary Read the abstract
Plant leaves in two urban regions were found to trap atmospheric microplastics, with plastics making up 28% of the particles adhered to leaf surfaces. Extrapolated globally, leaves in the top 11 greenest countries could hold an estimated 130 billion microplastic pieces, making plants a temporary but significant atmospheric sink for microplastic pollution.
Microplastic retention in urban tree canopies of Hamburg, Germany
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic retention on urban tree leaves in Hamburg, Germany, sampling lime and oak trees near roads with different traffic levels in summer and autumn. Urban trees capture airborne microplastics on their leaf surfaces, acting as temporary depositional sinks and potentially transferring plastic particles to soil when leaves fall.
Comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in outdoor air deposits and on plant leaf surfaces in an urban area and found that both sampling methods detected similar types and sizes of microplastic particles. Fibers were the most common shape found, and polyester and polyethylene were among the most frequently identified polymers. The study suggests that plant foliage could serve as a practical biomonitor for tracking airborne microplastic pollution in cities.
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.