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Atmospheric Micro and Nanoplastics: An Enormous Microscopic Problem
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This review examined atmospheric micro- and nanoplastic pollution, synthesizing evidence that plastic particles are suspended, transported, and deposited globally through atmospheric pathways, concluding that air represents a major but understudied route of human exposure and environmental dispersal requiring integration into plastic pollution models.
Atmospheric plastic pollution is now a global problem. Microplastics (MP) have been detected in urban atmospheres as well as in remote and pristine environments, showing that suspension, deposition and aeolian transport of MP should be included and considered as a major transport pathway in the plastic life cycle. This work reports an up to date review of the experimental estimation of deposition rate of MP in rural and urban environment, also analyzing the correlation with meteorological factors. Due to the limitations in sampling and instrumental methodology, little is known about MP and nanoplastics (NP) with sizes lower than 50 µm. In this review, we describe how NP could be transported for longer distances than MP, making them globally present and potentially more concentrated than MP. We highlight that it is crucial to explore new methodologies to collect and analyze NP. Future research should focus on the development of new technologies, combining the existent knowledge on nanomaterial and atmospheric particle analysis.
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A Review of Atmospheric Micro/Nanoplastics: Insights into Source and Fate for Modelling Studies
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This review synthesizes current knowledge about how micro- and nanoplastics move through the atmosphere, covering their sources, transport mechanisms, and eventual deposition. Researchers found that atmospheric transport can carry these particles over long distances quickly, making it a major pathway for global plastic pollution spread. The study identifies key knowledge gaps needed for developing accurate models of airborne microplastic behavior.
A Review of Atmospheric Micro/Nanoplastics: Insights into Source and Fate for Modelling Studies
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This review synthesizes current knowledge on sources, atmospheric transport, and environmental fate of micro- and nanoplastics in the atmosphere, identifying key knowledge gaps including the long-range transport potential, dry and wet deposition rates, and health implications of inhaled airborne plastic particles.
Microplastics: All Up in the Air?
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This review examines evidence for airborne microplastics, finding that plastic particles are transported through the atmosphere via wind and deposited in remote environments far from sources. Researchers discuss the implications for atmospheric monitoring, human inhalation exposure, and the global microplastic cycle.
The Pollution of Atmospheric Microplastics and Their Potential Risks to Humans
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This review summarizes what is known about airborne microplastics—tiny plastic particles floating in the air we breathe—including their sources, distribution, and potential health risks. Fibers are the most common form found in air, and inhalation is an important but underestimated route of human microplastic exposure.
Microplastics in the Atmosphere
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This review summarises evidence on atmospheric transport of microplastics, noting it is a global and serious pollution dissemination mechanism that has received less scientific attention than aquatic pathways. Airborne microplastics are predominantly fibers and correlate with human population density and industrial activity.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.