We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characteristics of unorganized emissions of microplastics from road fugitive dust in urban mining bases
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic emissions from road fugitive dust at urban mining facilities in China, estimating that a waste glass recycling base emits over 1,265 g of microplastics per year into the atmosphere, with tire micro-rubber as the dominant particle type and heavy vehicle traffic as the primary driver.
Nowadays, plastic pollution attracts attention, while data on microplastic (MP) emissions to atmosphere from urban mining bases are rarely quantified. In this paper, the emission characteristics of MPs in road fugitive dust from two urban mining bases were studied, the emission factors of MPs from road fugitive dust source were updated, and emission inventories were established. It is estimated that the waste glass recycling base and the e-waste dismantling plant emit 1265.53 g and 40.5 g of MPs into atmosphere respectively each year, with the highest percentage of tire micro-rubber. The roads with the most emissions are located in the middle of warehouses and workshops. Emission factors for MPs mainly depend on average vehicle weight, and heavy vehicles cause more MP emissions. Uncertainty analysis of the inventory indicated that the random error of MP emissions on a single road in waste glass recycling base was -79.1%-187.1%, while in e-waste dismantling plant was -62.7%-102.05%, which is mainly related to the silt loading. This study completes the quantitative data on the unorganized emissions of MPs from road fugitive dust in these two typical urban mining bases, and provides guidance for air pollution prevention and control.
More Papers Like This
Unrecognized Urban Source of Atmospheric Nanoplastic Particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers identified an unrecognized urban source of nanoplastic particles from road and building surface wear in cities. This challenges the assumption that all environmental nanoplastics come from the breakdown of larger plastics, suggesting direct urban emissions are also a significant source.
Concentrations of tire wear microplastics and other traffic-derived non-exhaust particles in the road environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured actual environmental concentrations of tire wear microplastics and other traffic-derived non-exhaust particles in a rural highway setting, providing field-based data to complement the theoretical estimates that dominate current literature.
Comparison of traffic-related micro- and nanoplastic concentrations at three urban locations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne tire and road wear particles (microplastics shed from vehicle tires) at a busy urban road, a highway, and a park, finding rubber particle concentrations were 2-5 times higher near traffic compared to the park, with levels closely tracking other traffic pollutants like black carbon.
Temporal Distribution of Airborne Microplastics at an Urban Roadside
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a year-long sampling program for airborne microplastics at an urban roadside site in Zhengzhou, China, finding that traffic volume, seasonal variation, and meteorological conditions influenced the temporal distribution and polymer composition of atmospheric microplastics. Micro-Raman spectroscopy identified the dominant polymer types present in traffic-adjacent air.
Modelled atmospheric concentration of tyre wear in an urban environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled airborne concentrations of tire wear particles — tiny plastic-containing fragments released when vehicle tires rub against road surfaces — across Stockholm, finding that these microplastic particles are widespread in cities and make up 4–6% of total air particle pollution, with concentrations highest near busy highways and in narrow street canyons.
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.