We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Outdoor Atmospheric Microplastics within the Humber Region (United Kingdom): Quantification and Chemical Characterisation of Deposited Particles Present
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured atmospheric microplastic deposition at an urban site in the Humber region of the United Kingdom over 13 months. They found a mean deposition rate of approximately 3,055 particles per square meter per day, predominantly polyethylene and nylon film-shaped particles, with no clear relationship between rainfall and deposition levels. The study also characterized microplastics across five urbanized locations, finding petroleum resin particles more prevalent in industrial and roadside zones.
Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) have been consistently captured within air samples on a global scale. Locations with high human activity are reported to have high MP levels. An urban sampling site in the Humber region (U.K.) has been sampled over a 13-month period, providing a seasonal variation profile of MP levels, size, shape, and polymer types that humans are exposed to. Mean MP levels, measured using passive fallout into a container, were 3055 ± 5072 MP m−2 day−1 (1164 median). An increase in levels with a decrease in MP size was observed, consisting of mainly film-shaped MPs (67%) that were polyethylene (31%) and nylon (28%) polymer types. No relationship between rainfall and MP fallout levels was observed. In parallel, MPs within five urbanised locations relevant to human exposure were characterised over a 2-week period. An overall MP mean (and standard deviation) of 1500 ± 1279 was observed (1012 median), from which petroleum resin accounted for 32% of MP polymer type, with a higher prevalence within industrial and roadside zones. These comprised mainly fragment (52%) and film (42%) shapes, and the MPs levels increased with decreasing particle size. The results provide novel information on characterising polymer levels and types, and can inform cellular toxicity studies, investigating the consequences of human MP exposure.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the air: Weather and polymer influences on deposition trends across a rural–urban gradient
AI summary Read the abstract
A study along a rural-to-urban gradient in England found that microplastic deposition rates in the atmosphere ranged from 12 to 500 particles per square meter per day, with rural woodland sites recording the highest overall deposition and weather patterns playing a larger role than urbanization alone. The results challenge the assumption that cities always have the highest airborne microplastic loads.
Comprehensive Analysis of Atmospheric Microplastic Deposition: Insights from North Wales, UK, and Global Collaborations.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study conducted extensive atmospheric microplastic deposition monitoring in North Wales, UK, combining local data with global collaborations to characterize deposition rates, polymer types, and seasonal patterns, finding measurable microplastic fallout even in rural areas.
Spatial distribution of atmospheric microplastics in bulk-deposition of urban and rural environments – A one-year follow-up study in northern Germany
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a year-long study of atmospheric microplastic deposition across urban and rural sites in northern Germany, finding spatial and temporal variation in microplastic fallout patterns that help quantify environmental input rates.
Atmospheric microplastic deposition in an urban environment and an evaluation of transport
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic deposition in central London and found contamination in all samples, with rates ranging from 575 to 1,008 particles per square meter per day. Fibrous microplastics made up 92% of the particles, and 15 different polymer types were identified. Wind analysis revealed different source areas for fibrous and non-fibrous airborne microplastics, providing the first evidence that the atmosphere is a significant pathway for microplastic pollution in urban areas.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in the coastal zone: Characteristics and relationship with meteorological factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics deposited from the atmosphere were sampled and characterized in a coastal zone, with analysis of meteorological factors including air humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and air mass trajectories. The study found measurable atmospheric microplastic deposition in the coastal environment, with weather patterns influencing deposition rates and particle characteristics.
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.