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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Temporal and Spatial Variations in Microplastic Concentrations in Small Headwater Basins in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA
ClearTemporal and Spatial Variations in Microplastic Concentrations in Small Headwater Basins in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA
Microplastic concentrations in two Southern Appalachian headwater basins reached up to 65.1 MPs/L — in the upper quartile globally — with approximately 90% being fibers and concentrations increasing with land development intensity over a year of sampling.
Investigating 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.
Investigating 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.
Quantification and Categorization of Macroplastics (Plastic Debris) within a Headwaters Basin in Western North Carolina, USA: Implications to the Potential Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Biota
Researchers quantified and categorized plastic debris along Richland Creek, a heavily forested watershed in western North Carolina. They collected over 1,700 pieces of plastic, predominantly films and hard plastics, with foam and film items showing the highest fragmentation rates. A laboratory component confirmed that collected items readily break down into microplastics, demonstrating how macroplastic litter in even rural waterways serves as a continuous source of microplastic pollution.
The Fate of Microplastics in Rural Headwater Lake Catchments
Researchers quantified microplastic fluxes over 12 months in three rural headwater lake catchments in Ontario, Canada, using a novel particle balance approach. They found that atmospheric deposition was the dominant source of microplastics entering these remote lakes, and they provided the first observation-based estimates of microplastic residence time in freshwater lakes. The study reveals that even rural areas far from urban centers receive significant microplastic inputs from the atmosphere.
Microplastics- A not so Micro Problem: Prevalence in A North Caroline Freshwater System
Researchers investigated microplastic prevalence in the Catawba River Basin of North Carolina by collecting 80 water samples across five sites varying in recreation intensity and upstream/downstream position, finding microplastics present in every sample collected and documenting higher concentrations at downstream and recreated sites.
Fluvial Concentrations of Microplastics in a Suburban Micro-Watershed: Sampling Methodology and Analysis
Researchers designed a low-cost sampling station to collect and quantify microplastics in a shallow suburban stream in South Carolina. They found that microplastic abundance increased from the top of the watershed to the bottom, rising from about 269 to 715 particles per 10 cubic meters of surface water. Fibers were the dominant type, and the study highlights the need for standardized sampling methods for small freshwater streams.
Microplastic distribution and characteristics across a large river basin: Insights from the Neuse River in North Carolina, USA
Researchers characterized microplastic distribution across the Neuse River Basin in North Carolina, finding microplastics in both water and sediment at all sampling locations, with concentrations influenced by land use and proximity to urban areas.
High-levels of microplastic pollution in a large, remote, mountain lake
Researchers discovered high levels of microplastic pollution in a large, remote mountain lake, finding concentrations comparable to lakes in densely populated areas, suggesting that atmospheric deposition can deliver substantial microplastic loads to even isolated environments.
Microplastic pollution in mountain terrains and foothills: A review on source, extraction, and distribution of microplastics in remote areas
This review examines microplastic pollution in mountain terrains and foothills, finding that atmospheric transport and tourism are major sources, with snow samples containing the highest concentrations compared to streams or ice cores.
Microplastics in Precipitation: Analyzing Altitudinal Influence on Atmospheric Deposition Patterns
Researchers found an inverse relationship between altitude and microplastic deposition in Central Himalayan precipitation, collecting rainfall and snowfall across eight sites from 445 m to 3,378 m elevation and characterizing microplastics by concentration, size distribution, and polymer composition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Microplastic Presence, Aging, and Potential Sources in Urban Runoff in a Large Piedmont Metropolitan Area: Polymer-Type-Specific Analysis
Scientists found over 20,000 tiny plastic particles in rainwater runoff from a large metropolitan area, with the plastics coming from both local sources like degraded items on the ground and particles falling from the atmosphere. These microplastics can end up in our water supply and food chain, potentially affecting human health. The study helps identify where these harmful plastic particles come from in big cities, which is important for finding ways to reduce our exposure to them.
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.
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.
Quantifying and Characterizing Microplastics in the Greater Philadelphia Region
Researchers quantified and characterized microplastic contamination across waterways in the Greater Philadelphia region, examining how plastic degradation from weathering, heat, water, and biological activity introduces microplastics into local water bodies and the atmosphere. The study assessed the scope of contamination and documented the implications of microplastic pollution for aquatic and human health in an urban watershed context.
Assessment of microplastic transport and distribution in the urban environment of Coimbra municipality
Researchers tracked microplastic transport and distribution across five urban watersheds in Coimbra, Portugal, sampling atmospheric deposition, runoff, and streams before and during rainfall. Wet deposition carried more MPs than dry deposition, stream concentrations nearly doubled during rain events, and more urbanized, smaller watersheds had higher MP loads.