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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Airborne Microplastics: Source Implications from Particulate Matter Composition
ClearAirborne Micro- and Nanoplastics: Source Implications from Particulate Matter Composition
Researchers simultaneously measured airborne micro- and nanoplastics (AMNPs) and particulate matter (PM) across three sites in Japan in different seasons, identifying shared and distinct sources. AMNPs co-occurred with combustion-related PM components, providing evidence that airborne plastics partly originate from the same sources as fine particulate air pollution.
Microplastics and particulate matter: assessment of atmospheric pollution in the Region of Hortênsias, Brazil
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations alongside particulate matter in the atmosphere of an urban area, characterizing the size, morphology, and polymer composition of airborne plastic particles and assessing the contribution of different anthropogenic sources to atmospheric MP pollution.
Wet and dry deposition of airborne microplastics in urban background site in Helsinki
Researchers measured wet and dry deposition of airborne microplastics and tire wear rubber at an urban background site in Helsinki, Finland, characterizing seasonal and source patterns of atmospheric plastic particle deposition. Both microplastics and tire wear particles were detected in deposition samples, with concentrations and particle types reflecting urban traffic and seasonal variation.
Mass concentrations of common microplastics and tire wear rubbers in urban air
Researchers measured mass concentrations of common microplastics and tire wear rubber particles in ambient urban air, providing quantitative data on airborne plastic pollution that is scarce compared to research on aquatic environments. Tire wear particles were identified as a significant component of airborne plastic contamination in urban settings.
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 samples from different settings. The study found that atmospheric deposition is a meaningful pathway for microplastic dispersal, with variation in particle characteristics across sites.
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.
Airborne microplastics on the move: Urban Europe as a source to remote regions
Researchers measured airborne microplastics at both urban and remote sites across Norway and found that tire wear particles dominated urban air pollution, with seasonal peaks during the switch to winter tires. Microplastics were also detected at remote locations far from cities, confirming that these particles undergo long-range atmospheric transport from urban source regions across Europe.
Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a developing country in South Asia: abundance, distribution, morphology, and possible sources
Researchers quantified airborne microplastic concentrations in indoor and outdoor environments in a South Asian developing country, characterizing particle abundance, size distribution, morphology, and potential sources, finding significant microplastic air pollution in a lower-middle-income country context.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in the air: a review
This review examines the occurrence, sources, physicochemical characteristics, and sampling and analytical methods for microplastics and nanoplastics in atmospheric air across urban, industrial, coastal, and remote environments. The authors find that fibers and fragments are the dominant atmospheric microplastic forms, that no standardized sampling methods currently exist, and that both passive and active collection approaches are used across the literature with limited comparability.
First quantification and chemical characterization of atmospheric microplastics observed in Seoul, South Korea
Researchers conducted the first measurement of airborne microplastics across five outdoor sites in Seoul, South Korea, finding plastic particles everywhere from business districts to urban forests. Microplastic levels were higher in areas with more human activity and during weekdays versus weekends. Polypropylene and PET were the most common types, suggesting that everyday plastic products are a major source of airborne microplastic pollution in cities.
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in urban air: polymer composition, interactions and inhalation risk
Researchers characterized airborne micro- and nanoplastics in urban air using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry on size-fractionated aerosol samples. The study found total concentrations averaging 0.6 micrograms per cubic meter, with tire wear particles as a dominant source, highlighting an underestimated threat to urban air quality and human respiratory health.
Status and prospects of atmospheric microplastics: A review of methods, occurrence, composition, source and health risks
This review summarized the sampling methods, occurrence, composition, sources, and health risks of atmospheric microplastics. Researchers found that airborne microplastics are detected both indoors and outdoors, with fibers being the most common shape, and that inhalation represents an important but understudied exposure pathway. The study suggests that atmospheric transport plays a significant role in the global distribution of microplastic pollution.
Microplastics in the atmospheric of the eastern coast of China: different function areas reflecting various sources and transport
Atmospheric sampling at two sites in a Chinese coastal city found microplastics suspended in the air at both downtown and industrial locations, but with different dominant sources — lifestyle and consumer products in the city center versus industrial activity in the industrial zone. The finding that microplastics are transported through the atmosphere confirms that people in urban areas are inhaling plastic particles regardless of proximity to industrial facilities.
Mass concentrations of common microplastics and tire wear rubbers in urban air
Researchers measured mass concentrations of common microplastics and tire wear rubber particles in urban ambient air, providing quantitative data for inhalation exposure assessment. Tire wear rubber dominated the airborne particle mass in traffic-influenced areas, exceeding concentrations of synthetic polymer 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.
Occurrence and backtracking of microplastic mass loads including tire wear particles in northern Atlantic air
Scientists measured airborne microplastic concentrations, including tire wear particles, in the atmosphere over the Norwegian coast and Arctic waters using specialized air sampling devices. They detected microplastics even in remote Arctic locations, with tire wear particles being the most abundant type found. Atmospheric transport modeling suggested these particles enter the marine atmosphere from both land and sea sources, indicating that airborne transport is a significant pathway for microplastic pollution reaching remote ocean regions.
Temporal Distribution of Airborne Microplastics at an Urban Roadside
Researchers conducted a year-long sampling program for airborne microplastics at an urban roadside site in Zhengzhou, China, finding that traffic volume, seasonal variation, and meteorological conditions influenced the temporal distribution and polymer composition of atmospheric microplastics. Micro-Raman spectroscopy identified the dominant polymer types present in traffic-adjacent air.
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.
Characterization of Airborne Microplastics Particles on Urban Roads: Types, Sizes, and Total Particles
Researchers collected airborne microplastic samples from urban road environments and characterized particle types, sizes, color distributions, and polymer compositions, finding tire-wear rubber and paint fragments alongside fiber and film fragments from packaging and textiles.
A Short Review On Content And Composition Of Airborne Microplastics
This short review synthesizes current knowledge on airborne microplastic concentrations and polymer composition, summarizing monitoring data from indoor and outdoor environments and identifying research gaps in exposure assessment.
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.
Microplastic in the Air
This review provides a comprehensive overview of methods for collecting, extracting, and identifying airborne microplastics, examining their sources, transport mechanisms, and persistence in urban and atmospheric environments, and establishing a methodological foundation for future research on microplastic air pollution.
Insight into the size-resolved markers and eco-health significance of microplastics from typical sources in northwest China
Researchers characterized airborne microplastics and plasticizers emitted from five common sources in northwest China—plastic burning, fruit bag burning, road traffic, agricultural film, and livestock breeding—finding source-specific polymer and chemical profiles in PM2.5 and PM10 fractions.
Characterization of the Morphological and Chemical Profile of Different Families of Microplastics in Samples of Breathable Air
Researchers characterized the morphological and chemical profiles of airborne microplastics collected from breathable air samples, finding diverse polymer types and particle shapes and examining how these particles are transported through the atmosphere to the air people breathe.