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Microplasticsfrom Ocean Depths to Landfall: Typhoon-InducedMicroplastic Circulation in a Warming Climate
Summary
Researchers found that typhoons in eastern China dramatically increased atmospheric microplastic deposition rates (6,291-12,722 items/m²/d versus 48-779 post-typhoon), with marine air mass entrainment introducing greater polymer diversity and smaller dense particles such as PET and PVC, suggesting a feedback loop where microplastics influence ocean warming and typhoon intensification.
This study examines the influence of typhoons on atmospheric microplastic (MP) pollution by utilizing atmospheric deposition samples collected during three typhoons in eastern China (2023–2024). MP deposition rates increased significantly during typhoons (6291–12,722 items/m2/d), followed by a sharp decline post-typhoon (48–779 items/m2/d). Typhoon periods exhibited increased polymer diversity (9 types versus 4–5 during nontyphoon periods) and a higher prevalence of small-sized MPs (<280 μm), including dense polymers like PET and PVC, indicating a potential vertical resuspension from deeper ocean layers and subsequent atmospheric emission. Backward trajectory analysis confirmed the predominant entrainment of marine air masses during typhoon events, establishing a direct pathway for atmospheric transport from marine to terrestrial environments. We propose a novel mechanism whereby typhoons enhance vertical MP transport through mixing and facilitate their resuspension and atmospheric release via bubble bursting. Additionally, we examine how climate-driven typhoon intensification may accelerate MP pollution, creating a feedback loop where MPs affect ocean warming and climate, further intensifying typhoons and worsening both issues. Finally, discussing the implications of these results in policy development and urban planning to combat typhoon-induced MP pollution. Our findings offer substantial indirect evidence and provide a foundation for future studies to generate direct empirical validation of mechanisms.
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