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Aerosolization of micro- and nanoplastics via sea spray: Investigating the role of polymer type, size, and concentration, and potential implications for human exposure
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This study found that microplastics and nanoplastics in ocean water can become airborne through sea spray and be inhaled by people near coastlines. Smaller plastic particles were launched into the air more efficiently than larger ones, and the researchers estimated that people living near the coast could inhale thousands of plastic particles per year through this route. This reveals a previously underappreciated pathway for human exposure to microplastics beyond eating and drinking.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can enter the atmosphere via sea spray aerosols (SSAs), but the effects of plastic characteristics on the aerosolization process are unclear. Furthermore, the importance of the transport of MNPs via these SSAs as a possible new exposure route for human health remains unknown. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to examine if a selection of factors affects aerosolization processes of MNPs, and (2) to estimate human exposure to MNPs via aerosols inhalation. A laboratory-based bubble bursting mechanism, simulating the aerosolization process at sea, was used to investigate the influence of MNP as well as seawater characteristics. To determine the potential human exposure to microplastics via inhalation of SSAs, the results of the laboratory experiments were extrapolated to the field based on sea surface microplastic concentrations and the volume of inhaled aerosols. Enrichment seemed to be influenced by MNP size, concentration and polymer type. With higher enrichment for smaller particles and denser polymers. Experiments with different concentrations showed a larger range of variability but nonetheless lower concentrations seemed to result in higher enrichment, presumably due to lower aggregation. In addition to the MNP characteristics, the type of seawater used seemed to influence the aerosolization process. Our human exposure estimate to microplastic via inhalation of sea spray aerosols shows that in comparison with reported inhaled concentrations in urban and indoor environments, this exposure route seems negligible for microplastics. Following the business-as-usual scenario on plastic production, the daily plastic inhalation in coastal areas in 2100 is estimated to increase but remain far below 1 particle per day. This study shows that aerosolization of MNPs is a new plastic transport pathway to be considered, but in terms of human exposure it seems negligible compared to other more important sources of MNPs, based on current reported environmental concentrations.
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Researchers conducted lab experiments to measure how microplastics and nanoplastics in the ocean get launched into the atmosphere through sea spray bubbles. They found that plastic particles smaller than 10 micrometers can become airborne this way, with smaller and less dense particles being emitted more easily. This reveals an important but underappreciated pathway by which ocean plastic pollution can reach inland areas and be inhaled by people.
Emission of Microplastics via Sea Spray Aerosol: A Generalizable Enrichment Framework for Marine Constituents
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Ocean waves and sea foam can fling tiny plastic particles from seawater into the air we breathe, and this study shows that how much gets released depends on the plastic's size, shape, and even whether it's been weathered or coated in ocean grime. This matters because it means microplastics floating out at sea aren't staying put, they can travel through the air, potentially reaching our lungs and remote environments far from the coast, making this an important piece of the puzzle for understanding our real-world exposure to plastic pollution.
A systematic experimental investigation of micro- and nanoplastics aerosolization by oceanic breaking waves
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A systematic experimental study investigated how and to what extent microplastics and nanoplastics are ejected from the ocean surface into the atmosphere through sea spray and bubble bursting. The results showed that a range of particle sizes and types can be aerosolized, but the efficiency varies depending on particle properties and sea conditions. These findings help quantify a potentially significant pathway for microplastics to re-enter terrestrial environments after initially reaching the ocean.
Overlooked Emission of Polystyrene Nanoplastics through Sea Spray Aerosol
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Sea spray doesn't just carry salt into the air—it also launches tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) from ocean water into the atmosphere we breathe, according to this lab-based study. Researchers estimate the North Atlantic alone sends about 135,000 tons of nanoplastic into the air each year this way, meaning airborne plastic exposure may be more significant than previously thought. This matters because it suggests another route by which plastic particles could enter our lungs and bodies, beyond the food and water sources already studied.
Ocean emission of microplastic
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Researchers built a model showing that ocean waves and bursting bubbles can launch microplastics from seawater into the air, estimating that roughly 0.1 million metric tons of microplastic may be emitted from the ocean surface each year. These airborne microplastics can then be carried by wind over land, where they may be inhaled by people. The study reveals an important and previously underappreciated pathway by which ocean microplastic pollution becomes an air quality and human health concern.
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