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The four Seasons of Micro- and Nanoplastic in the Air
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Scientists monitored tiny plastic particles in the air for a full year in the Austrian Alps and found six common types of plastics floating in the atmosphere year-round. These microscopic plastic pieces can travel long distances through the air and reach even remote mountain areas, meaning people everywhere are likely breathing them in. This research helps us understand how much plastic pollution exists in our air, which is important since inhaling these particles could affect human health.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are contaminants of emerging concern. With current research focusing mostly on their detection in the aquatic and terrestrial environment, atmospheric MNPs remain underrepresented. Recent studies confirm, that not only ingestion but also inhalation can be seen as a major exposure pathway, increasing exposure risks for humans and all air-breathing organisms.1 Moreover, the particle's ability to reach even remote areas through long-range atmospheric transport increases their threat as an environmental pollutant.2–4 Still, studies focusing on long-term monitoring of MNPs are scarce and their impact in the atmosphere is still poorly investigated.5,6For this study, we sampled airborne MNPs using a PM10 Cascade Impactor over the course of 52 continuous weeks, separating our collected particles into four size-dependent fractions. Samples were subsequently analyzed using a high-resolution analytical method: TD-PTR-MS. Through qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of even sub 1 µm particles, we successfully detected six common polymer types (PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, TWP). By implementing this yearlong monitoring station at Sonnblick Observatory in the Austrian Alps, we were able to collect a significant dataset of MNPs pollution levels in the remote alpine region. We established current contamination levels in the atmosphere, while also being able to research the influence of seasonality including other meteorological parameters in more detail.This study aims to present robust evidence of current contamination levels, possibly supporting ongoing policy dialogues and informing evidence-based decision-making.References[1] Rajendran, D. & Chandrasekaran, N. Journey of micronanoplastics with blood components. RSC Adv. 13, 31435–31459; 10.1039/D3RA05620A (2023).[2] Illuminati, S. et al. Microplastics in bulk atmospheric deposition along the coastal region of Victoria Land, Antarctica. Sci. Total Environ. 949, 175221; 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175221 (2024).[3] Rosso, B. et al. Characteristics and quantification of small microplastics (
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Fine micro- and nanoplastics concentrations in particulate matter samples from the high alpine site Sonnblick, Austria
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Researchers measured fine micro- and nanoplastic concentrations in air samples collected at a remote high-altitude observatory in the Austrian Alps over nearly a year. They found plastic particles, predominantly PET, polyethylene, and polypropylene, present in almost all samples, with higher concentrations during summer and fall. The study demonstrates that airborne plastic pollution reaches even pristine mountain environments far from urban sources.
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