We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Potential sources and transport of atmospheric microplastics in the North Atlantic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled atmospheric microplastics along seven transects from the Norwegian coast to Bear Island during a 2021 research cruise, using Py-GC/MS mass quantification to detect MPs up to 37.5 ng/m3 with PET predominating, and applied the FLEXPART Lagrangian dispersion model to reconstruct potential source regions.
The present study held in the frame of the JPI-Oceans FACTS examines the occurrence and long-range transport of microplastics (MP) in the North Atlantic Ocean. During a research cruise in 2021 seven transects along the Norwegian coast up to the Bear Island were actively sampled and the performance of two different sampling devices was evaluated. MP analysis and mass quantification was conducted using Py-GC/MS method. With careful reference to available field and laboratory blank values, MP was detected even in remote Artic areas with concentrations up to 37.5 ng MP m-3 and a clear predominance of the PET cluster. In addition, car tire tread, and clusters of PS, PP, and PUR were detected more often. Using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART, an attempt to reconstruct the origin of the air masses was made and to gain information about the origin of the measured MP by quantify different source contributions (sea-spray, mineral dust, road dust, agriculture). In this context, the resuspension of MP from the ocean into the overlying air layers appears to be a relevant source. Likewise, the long-range transport of PET particles appears to be substantial. The range of polymers detected, but also the risk of contamination, was closely linked to the particular sampling method used.
More Papers Like This
Can we identify the dominant sources of atmospheric microplastic?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers applied Lagrangian back-trajectory modelling using FLEXPART-v11 to atmospheric microplastic observations at multiple global sites including polar regions, marine boundary layers, and high mountain snow, aiming to identify dominant emission sources and quantify their relative contributions to atmospheric MP pollution.
Occurrence and backtracking of microplastic mass loads including tire wear particles in northern Atlantic air
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used active air sampling devices during a research cruise along the Norwegian coast to the Arctic to measure microplastic mass loads in the marine atmosphere, including tire wear particles, analyzed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. They found microplastics were omnipresent even in remote Arctic sampling areas, with polyethylene terephthalate ubiquitous and tire wear particles reaching up to 35 ng/m3, and atmospheric transport models indicating both sea-based and land-based emission sources.
Micro(nano)plastics in the atmosphere of the Atlantic Ocean.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized micro- and nanoplastic particles in atmospheric aerosols collected on a transect from Spain to Chile across the Atlantic Ocean, finding plastics present throughout the open ocean atmosphere. The findings demonstrate that long-range atmospheric transport is a significant pathway for spreading microplastics from source regions across the global ocean.
Airborne microplastic particles detected in the remote marine atmosphere
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected airborne microplastic particles — including polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene — in aerosol samples collected over the remote North Atlantic Ocean far from land. Back trajectory analysis and matching polymer types in both air and seawater suggest the ocean surface itself is a source of airborne microplastics, with true particle counts likely higher than detected since only particles above 5 micrometers were analyzed.
Occurrence and backtracking of microplastic mass loads including tire wear particles in northern Atlantic air
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists measured airborne microplastic concentrations, including tire wear particles, in the atmosphere over the Norwegian coast and Arctic waters using specialized air sampling devices. They detected microplastics even in remote Arctic locations, with tire wear particles being the most abundant type found. Atmospheric transport modeling suggested these particles enter the marine atmosphere from both land and sea sources, indicating that airborne transport is a significant pathway for microplastic pollution reaching remote ocean regions.
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.