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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Assessment of the impact of local human activity on microplastic atmospheric deposition
ClearLocal urban activity, Covid lockdown, and atmospheric microplastic deposition
This study examined how COVID-19 lockdowns affected microplastic deposition from the atmosphere in an urban area. Reduced human activity during lockdown was associated with decreased atmospheric microplastic concentrations. The findings confirm that local sources — particularly vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and human movement — are significant contributors to urban airborne microplastics.
A Review of the Sources, Environmental Behaviours and Human Health of Atmospheric Microplastics
This review examined sources, environmental behaviors, and human health impacts of atmospheric microplastics, distinguishing indoor from outdoor MP exposure and summarizing evidence on how airborne MPs are emitted, transported, transformed, and inhaled.
Characterization of Microplastics in the Atmosphere
This study measured microplastic concentrations in the atmosphere using active and passive sampling to understand airborne transport pathways. Given that inhaling airborne microplastics is an underappreciated human exposure route, characterizing atmospheric plastic levels and transport is important for estimating total human exposure.
Atmospheric microplastic deposition in a valley city over a five-year period: sources, ecological risks, spatiotemporal distributions and influencing factors
A five-year (2019–2023) monitoring study in a valley city found rising atmospheric microplastic deposition, with summer peaks over four times higher than winter lows, strongly influenced by precipitation, wind, temperature, and urban activity levels. Long-term data showing increasing airborne microplastic trends have direct implications for inhalation exposure in urban populations.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics at a western China metropolis: Relationship with underlying surface types and human exposure
Researchers measured microplastic fallout from the atmosphere in Chengdu, China, and found that the type of ground surface below -- urban, green space, or mixed -- influenced how much airborne microplastic accumulated. Using a probability model, they estimated that people are exposed to significant amounts of airborne microplastics during outdoor activities, adding to the growing evidence that we inhale these particles daily.
A review of atmospheric microplastics pollution: In-depth sighting of sources, analytical methods, physiognomies, transport and risks
This review provides an in-depth analysis of atmospheric microplastic pollution, examining sources, detection methods, physical characteristics, transport mechanisms, and health risks. Researchers found that indoor environments tend to contain higher concentrations of airborne microplastics than outdoor settings, and that current detection methods are limited in their ability to capture the smallest particles. The study emphasizes the need for standardized sampling procedures and more research into the health effects of inhaling microplastic particles.
Distribution and possible sources of atmospheric microplastic deposition in a valley basin city (Lanzhou, China)
Researchers measured atmospheric microplastic deposition in Lanzhou, a valley basin city in China, during the COVID-19 pandemic period from February to August 2020. They found an average deposition rate of about 354 particles per square meter per day, predominantly small PET fragments and fibers, with local human activity identified as the main source. The study suggests that human activity patterns and rainfall are the dominant factors influencing the spatial and temporal distribution of airborne microplastics in urban environments.
New insights into the long-term dynamics and deposition-suspension distribution of atmospheric microplastics in an urban area
Researchers tracked airborne microplastics in a city over a full year and found an average of 302 particles per square meter per day falling from the sky, with people potentially inhaling up to 12,777 particles per year. The microplastics came from sources up to 1,750 kilometers away, including traffic, industry, and textiles. This study highlights that breathing is a significant route of microplastic exposure for humans, even for people living far from obvious pollution sources.
Does microplastic really represent a threat? A review of the atmospheric contamination sources and potential impacts
This review examines airborne microplastics as emerging atmospheric contaminants that people inevitably inhale during normal breathing. Researchers found that fibers from synthetic textiles are the most common form of airborne microplastics, and their small size allows them to remain suspended in air and potentially cause health problems. The study discusses analytical methods used to measure airborne microplastics and calls for more research into their environmental and health impacts.
An emerging class of air pollutants: Potential effects of microplastics to respiratory human health?
This review explores the emerging concern that airborne microplastics can be inhaled by humans, potentially causing adverse effects on the respiratory system. Researchers compiled available data on the concentration, size, shape, and chemical composition of microplastic particles found in urban air. The findings suggest that airborne plastic debris represents a largely understudied class of air pollutant with potential implications for human health.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics: a sampling and analytical method including the associated measurement uncertainties
Researchers developed a tailored analytical chain for atmospheric microplastic sampling — including collection, processing, and optical microscopy-based analysis — and applied it to quantify atmospheric deposition of microplastics and assess the atmosphere as a vector of global microplastic distribution.
The Pollution of Atmospheric Microplastics and Their Potential Risks to Humans
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.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in an urban conglomerate near to the foothills of Indian Himalayas: Investigating the quantity, chemical character, possible sources and transport mechanisms
Scientists measured microplastic fallout from the air near the foothills of the Indian Himalayas and found an average of over 2,200 particles landing per square meter per day. Levels spiked during the Diwali festival, suggesting that human activities significantly increase airborne microplastic pollution. The findings show that even areas near remote mountain regions receive substantial microplastic deposits from the atmosphere, which people in those communities inhale.
Microplastics in the urban atmosphere: Sources, occurrences, distribution, and potential health implications
This review summarizes research on airborne microplastics in cities, finding that indoor sources like textiles and outdoor sources like traffic-related plastic particles are major contributors. Microplastic concentrations in urban air can be significant, especially in densely populated areas, and people can inhale these particles daily. The health implications of breathing in microplastics are still being studied, but early evidence suggests they may cause lung inflammation and other respiratory problems.
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.
Global atmospheric distribution of microplastics with evidence of low oceanic emissions
This study used atmospheric modeling to estimate the global distribution of airborne microplastics, finding that land-based sources like roads, agriculture, and cities contribute far more to atmospheric microplastics than ocean emissions. The model, validated against real-world observations, suggests that ocean contributions are about 10,000 times lower than previously estimated. Understanding where airborne microplastics come from is important because inhalation is a major route of human exposure.
Study of suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess human exposure through inhalation
Researchers investigated suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess the extent of human exposure through inhalation. The study quantified airborne microplastic particles in indoor settings, providing data on a potentially important but understudied route of daily microplastic intake for the general population.
Atmospheric microplastic deposition in an urban environment and an evaluation of transport
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 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.
Atmospheric Microplastics: Perspectives on Origin, Abundances, Ecological and Health Risks
This review summarizes current knowledge about microplastics in the atmosphere, including their sources, how far they travel, and potential health effects from inhalation. Researchers found that airborne microplastics can carry toxic chemicals deep into the respiratory system and may contribute to respiratory problems and other health concerns. The study emphasizes that atmospheric microplastic pollution remains poorly understood due to a lack of standardized measurement methods.
Microplastic atmospheric dustfall pollution in urban environment: Evidence from the types, distribution, and probable sources in Beijing, China
Researchers collected atmospheric dustfall samples across urban Beijing and analyzed the types, distribution, and likely sources of airborne microplastics. They found that synthetic fibers from textiles and fragments from various plastic products were the dominant forms, with concentrations varying by location and proximity to pollution sources. The study provides evidence that urban atmospheric microplastic pollution is widespread and likely linked to daily human activities and industrial processes.
Atmospheric microplastics: exposure, toxicity, and detrimental health effects
This review summarizes what is known about microplastics in the air, including their sources, how they travel, and their effects on human health when inhaled or swallowed. Airborne microplastics come from synthetic textiles, road dust, construction materials, and industrial processes, and can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs and other organs. The authors conclude that atmospheric microplastics represent an underappreciated route of human exposure that deserves more research and regulation.
Dynamics of airborne microplastics, appraisal and distributional behaviour in atmosphere; a review
This review explores the sources, distribution, and behaviour of airborne microplastics in the terrestrial environment. Researchers summarize how factors like size, density, and atmospheric conditions influence microplastic transport and concentration in air. The study highlights that airborne exposure represents a significant and relatively understudied route of human microplastic intake, with particles capable of carrying organic pollutants that bioaccumulate through food webs.
Atmospheric Microplastics and Human Health: Sources, Exposure, and Risks
This review systematically summarizes the sources, distribution, and health implications of atmospheric microplastics in both indoor and outdoor air. The study highlights growing evidence that inhaled microplastics can enter the human body and pose potential risks to the respiratory system, while identifying key limitations and uncertainties in current exposure assessment methods.