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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Investigating the atmospheric deposition of microplastics in south central appalachia in the united states
ClearInvestigating the atmospheric deposition of microplastics in south central appalachia in the united states
This study measured microplastics falling from the atmosphere in the south-central Appalachian region of the United States, adding to evidence that atmospheric deposition is a widespread route by which microplastics reach remote and rural environments far from obvious pollution sources. The findings suggest that even people in relatively undeveloped areas are being exposed to airborne microplastics.
Atmospheric Deposition of Microplastics in South Central Appalachia in the United States
This is the first study to measure airborne microplastic deposition in the eastern United States, specifically in remote areas of South Central Appalachia. Researchers found an average of 68 microplastic particles landing per square meter per day, mostly polyester fibers. Scaled across the region, this amounts to an estimated 321 metric tonnes of microplastics settling from the air each year, highlighting how widespread atmospheric plastic pollution has become.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in urban, rural, forest environments: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality
Researchers measured airborne microplastic deposition across urban, rural, and forest areas in South Africa and found microplastics falling from the sky everywhere, with urban areas receiving the highest amounts at about 356 particles per square meter per day. This means people are continuously exposed to microplastics through the air they breathe, even in relatively remote locations.
Importance of atmospheric transport for microplastics deposited in remote areas
This study highlights atmospheric transport as a significant and underappreciated pathway for depositing micro- and nanoplastics in remote areas including mountain regions and polar zones far from plastic sources. Airborne plastic particles can travel thousands of kilometers before being deposited, explaining the presence of microplastics in seemingly pristine remote environments.
Comprehensive Analysis of Atmospheric Microplastic Deposition: Insights from North Wales, UK, and Global Collaborations.
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.
Temporal and Spatial Variations in Microplastic Concentrations in Small Headwater Basins in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA
Researchers examined spatial and temporal variations in microplastic concentrations and characteristics within two headwater basins in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina over approximately one year, also collecting atmospheric samples to assess the contribution of atmospheric deposition, finding MP concentrations in the upper quartile of globally reported values with maximums reaching 65.1 MPs/L and approximately 90% of MPs linked to atmospheric sources.
Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment?
Researchers found synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout collected across a study region, demonstrating that airborne transport is a pathway for microplastic fiber deposition even in areas distant from direct plastic sources.
A review of microplastics pollution and its remediation methods: Current scenario and future aspects
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in atmospheric deposition at remote mountain sites in the Pyrenees, detecting an average of 365 particles per square meter per day. The findings confirm long-range atmospheric transport of microplastics far from pollution sources.
Spatial distribution of atmospheric microplastics in bulk-deposition of urban and rural environments – A one-year follow-up study in northern Germany
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.
Microplastics in the air: Weather and polymer influences on deposition trends across a rural–urban gradient
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.
Assessing microplastics pollution in the atmosphere and riverine system in the Pyrenees
This study measured airborne microplastics deposited in the Pyrenees mountains — a remote area far from major urban sources — finding significant contamination in both air deposition and river sediments. The results confirm that microplastics are transported long distances by wind and deposited even in pristine mountain environments. Rivers then act as conduits that transport these atmospherically deposited microplastics toward the ocean.
Distribution and transport of atmospheric microplastics and the environmental impacts: A review
This review examines the distribution, transport, and environmental impacts of atmospheric microplastics, synthesizing evidence that airborne plastics are found globally from urban centers to remote polar regions. The authors identify deposition via precipitation as a major pathway by which atmospheric microplastics contaminate soil and water surfaces.
An important source of terrestrial microplastics‐atmospheric deposition: A microplastics survey based on Shaanxi, China
A six-month atmospheric sampling campaign across ten cities in Shaanxi Province, China detected microplastics in all air deposition samples, including both wet (rain/snow) and dry deposition. The most abundant polymer types were PET, polyacrylonitrile, PE, and PP — consistent with textiles and packaging as key sources — and concentrations were highest in the provincial capital Xi'an, correlating with urban population density. The study confirms that atmospheric fallout is a significant and widespread route by which microplastics enter terrestrial environments far from any obvious plastic source.
Investigating microplastic transport in remote ecosystems: High-mountain lakes of the western alps
Researchers investigated microplastic transport to and accumulation in high-mountain lakes in remote ecosystems, using atmospheric deposition measurements and lake sediment analysis. Even at elevations above human habitation, microplastics were deposited from the atmosphere, with concentrations tracking regional air circulation patterns.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in a rural region of North China Plain
Researchers investigated atmospheric microplastic deposition in a rural area of the North China Plain, finding significant quantities of microplastics deposited through both dry and wet pathways, with fibers and polyethylene being the dominant types.
Origins and ecological risk of atmospheric microplastics at a remote background site in Japan
Atmospheric microplastics collected at a high-altitude site were traced to both local and long-range transport origins, revealing the broad geographical spread of airborne plastic particles. The ecological risk assessment found potential impacts on vulnerable high-elevation ecosystems far from pollution sources.
Quantification and characterization of atmospheric microplastics in a coastal urban area of the city of Lima, Peru
This study quantified and characterized atmospheric microplastic deposition in a coastal urban area of Lima, Peru, finding that microplastics in the air are an emerging but understudied pollution problem in the region. The research addressed a gap in South American data on airborne microplastic behavior and distribution.
Atmospheric contribution of nanoplastics to rural and remote surface waters
Researchers measured nanoplastic concentrations in rain and surface water from rural and remote locations in Europe and found that atmospheric deposition is a significant source of nanoplastics even in areas far from industrial activity. Multiple polymer types were detected using advanced mass spectrometry. The findings confirm that airborne nanoplastics are a global phenomenon reaching even pristine environments.
The Peril of Plastics: Atmospheric Microplastics in Outdoor, Indoor, and Remote Environments
This review surveys the current state of knowledge about microplastics suspended in the atmosphere, covering outdoor, indoor, and remote environments. Researchers found that airborne microplastics are far more widespread than previously recognized, with fibers from textiles and vehicle tire wear being major sources. The study highlights that atmospheric transport can carry microplastics to even the most remote locations on Earth, and that inhaling these particles poses potential health concerns.
Microplastics ride the atmosphere
Research confirms that microplastic particles are transported through the atmosphere over long distances, depositing in remote areas including the Arctic and high mountains. Atmospheric transport is now recognized as a major pathway spreading microplastic contamination to virtually every part of the planet.
A preliminary comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario
Researchers compared microplastic types, sizes, and polymer compositions in atmospheric dry and wet deposition at multiple sites, assessing contributions to ecosystem contamination. The results showed that atmospheric deposition is a significant pathway for microplastic redistribution, particularly to remote areas.
Remote Mountainous Area Inevitably Becomes Temporal Sink for Microplastics Driven by Atmospheric Transport
A 13-month study of an uninhabited mountainous area in China found microplastics in the air at respirable sizes year-round, with 15 different polymer types detected. Atmospheric modeling traced the sources to populated areas hundreds of kilometers away, showing that wind can carry microplastics to even the most remote locations. The findings mean that virtually no place on Earth is free from airborne microplastic exposure.
Regional sources drive atmospheric microplastic deposition at rural background sites
Researchers used moss samples from 33 rural background sites across Tuscany, Italy, to investigate the sources of atmospheric microplastic deposition. They found microplastics at every site, dominated by textile fibers and tire wear particles, with polyester being the most common polymer. The study indicates that regional and local sources such as agriculture and road traffic, rather than long-range atmospheric transport, are the primary drivers of microplastic deposition in rural areas.
Fine microplastics and nanoplastics in particulate matter samples from a high alpine environment
This study detected fine microplastics and nanoplastics in atmospheric particulate matter collected from a high alpine site in the Alps. The findings confirm that even remote mountain environments receive plastic pollution through the atmosphere, adding to evidence of global airborne plastic transport.