Microplastics in the Atmosphere

Microplastics may be transported far through the atmosphere after recent reports of their presence in the atmosphere of urban, suburban, and even isolated areas far from their source regions. Recently, air debris captured from a few cities has also contained microplastics. Though the research is still in its early stages, some studies have found that synthetic fabrics are the main source of airborne microplastics and that the morphology of these particles in the atmosphere is most often that of fibres. Because of their small size, airborne microplastics pose health risks to people, especially industry employees. Both human activities and meteorological variables have an impact on the distribution and deposition of airborne microplastics. Additionally, microplastic pollution in aquatic habitats is a result of airborne microplastics. There are still questions that need to be resolved about the presence, fate, transportation, and effects of air microplastics. These concerns are brought on by the absence of standardised sampling and identification techniques as well as by the limited physical analysis and knowledge of the pollution caused by atmospheric microplastics. We review the available research in this book chapter and offer suggestions for additional studies to learn more about airborne microplastics and the dangers they pose to people.