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First evidence of microplastic deposition in snow from Turkey
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Researchers collected the first evidence of microplastic deposition in snow from Turkey, finding 10.5 to 16 microplastic particles per liter in samples from Amanos Mountain, with fibers dominating and wind trajectory analysis suggesting both local agricultural sources and long-range atmospheric transport.
Microplastic pollution in snow was investigated in top of the Amanos Mountain in Hatay region, southern Turkey. Snow samples were collected from four stations located in different heights and fronts of the mountain. Abundance of microplastic ranged from 10.5 to 16 MP per liter and a total of 519 microplastic particles (MPs) were identified in snow samples. The majority of identified microplastic were fiber (>99%), black in color and 0.5 – 2.5 mm (62%) size class and polyester (35%). This is the first study examining the microplastic pollution in snow from Turkey. Local wind and trajectory analyses revealed that MPs appeared in the sampling region originated from closely located Amik Plain and/or were transported from remote areas with northwesterly and southerly airflows.
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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.