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Evaluating the retention of airborne microplastics on plant leaf: Influence of leaf morphology
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Researchers tested how well different plant species capture airborne microplastics on their leaves and found that plants with textured surfaces like tiny hairs (trichomes) or divided leaflets trapped the most particles. PET fibers were the most common type of airborne microplastic captured. The study suggests that indoor and outdoor plants could help reduce the airborne microplastics that people breathe in, offering a simple, natural strategy to lower human exposure.
Airborne microplastics (AMPs) have been identified in both indoor and outdoor environments and account for a large portion of an individual's daily exposure to microplastics. Thus, it is crucial to find effective methods to capture and control the levels of AMPs and ultimately reduce human exposure. While terrestrial plants have been recognized for their effectiveness in capturing airborne particles, little is known about their ability to capture AMPs. This study investigated the ability of 8 natural plant species and 2 artificial plants to capture AMPs, as well as the influence of leaf morphology on this retention. Plant leaves were exposed to AMPs for two weeks, and deposited AMPs were characterized using a Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (μ-FTIR)spectroscopy. Selected cleaned leaves were further digested, and the presence of subsurface AMPs was confirmed using μ-Raman spectroscopy. Results revealed that AMPs were retained on the leaves of all selected plant species at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.87 n/cm. The highest average concentration was observed on an artificial plant with fenestrated leaves, followed by natural plant species with trichomes and leaflets. The lowest concentration was observed on a natural plant with smooth leaves. The majority (90%) of retained AMPs were fibres, and the remaining were fragments. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the prominent polymer type. Additionally, AMP fragments were observed in the leaf subsurface in one selected species, likely retained within the leaf cuticles. The results suggest that plant leaves can indiscriminately retain AMPs on their surfaces and act as temporary sinks for AMPs. Additionally, indoor plants may provide a useful functional role in reducing indoor AMP concentrations, although longer-term studies are needed to ascertain their retention capacity more accurately over time and to evaluate the capability of indoor plants to act as a suitable, cost-effective candidate for reducing AMPs.
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Accumulation of airborne microplastics on leaves of different tree species in the urban environment
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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.
Comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario
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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.
Foliar retention of atmospheric microplastics: Influence of leaf surface properties and rainfall intensity
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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.
Distribution and Occurrence of Microplastics in Foliar Deposition Across Tree Species in Lahore
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Researchers surveyed microplastic deposition on leaves of 15 urban tree species across 44 sites in Lahore, Pakistan, finding that hairy leaf surfaces captured the most particles (up to 9.23 particles/cm²) and that microplastic concentrations declined with canopy height, with PET fibers comprising 61% of all detected polymers.
Terrestrial plants as a potential temporary sink of atmospheric microplastics during transport
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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.
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