Fig 1 - uploaded by Giannis Kyriakoudes
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Various suspected SMPs and DMPs sampled from the atmosphere of southwest England observed under the stereomicroscope. (a) A black fibre, (b) a translucent, blue film, (c) a multi-coloured fragment, (d) a white fragment, (e) various fibres and fragments, and (f) a blue fibre. Note the contamination of suspended samples (a) and (e) by dark particulate matter.
Context in source publication
Context 1
... generally associated with northerly winds. Rainfall over each sampling period ranged from <1 to about 14 mm, or 12-288 mL, and totalled about 60 mm, or 938 mL, with κ ranging from 55.7 to 329 μS cm 1 . There were 18 days that were rain-free and the highest volumes of rainwater were generally associated with winds with a westerly component. Fig. 1 exemplifies a selection of suspected MPs identified under the stereomicroscope that had been suspended in air (SMPs) and deposited from the atmosphere (DMPs) over southwest England. Overall, 45 particles of various colours, but mainly black or transparent, were identified in the twelve suspended samples, and, factoring in contamination ...
Citations
... To perform these functions, seed film-coatings typically contain dispersed polymer particles, which can be a source of microplastic generation in the environment. These polymers therefore contribute to microplastic pollution [2] during the production process (unintentional release), potentially during the use phase (the generation of microplastic dust [3]), and at the end-of-life phase (soil fragmentation). ...
Seed film-coatings used for seed treatment often contain microplastics which must be replaced. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of substitutes (maltodextrin, waxy maize glucose syrup (WMGS), methylcellulose, tragacanth gum (TG), arabic gum (AG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethoxylated rapeseed oil (ERO)), and xanthan gum as a thickener on the stability of a seed film-coating via Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS) technology. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of each polymer results in an increase in the quantity of particles migrating from the supernatant phase, but a concomitant decrease in their sedimentation rate and in the thickness of the supernatant phase (ec). Furthermore, the redispersion capacity (Cd) of the particles in the seed film-coating is also decreased after the introduction of each polymer, potentially due to their adsorption to the particles. The impact of the thickener is contingent upon the specific polymer employed. Its incorporation reduces the number of particles migrating from the supernatant phase and their sedimentation rate for all of the polymers studied except AG and ERO. However, it reduces ec for all seed film-coatings. Depending on the substitutes, thickener incorporation either improves (WMGS, maltodextrin, AG) or deteriorates (TG, PVA, ERO) Cd. The formulation containing tragacanth gum shows a redispersing capacity with Cd ≤ 1. This study introduces a novel analytical criterion, the redispersion capacity Cd, which can be employed to characterize dispersed systems.
... Deposition rate as high as 365 ± 69 p/m 2 /d was observed in a remote mountain catchment in France (Allen et al. 2019). Fibers are the most common shapes in the majority of outdoor studies Kyriakoudes and Turner 2023;Parashar and Hait 2023;Szewc et al. 2021;Truong et al. 2021). Few studies reported fragments as the most common shape (Allen et al. 2019;Cai et al. 2017;Hee et al. 2023;Klein et al. 2023;Klein and Fischer 2019). ...
Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) deposition in indoor and outdoor environments has yet to gain significant attention in Bangkok, Thailand. Outdoor MPs deposition is a potentially severe issue as it can contaminate agricultural land, water bodies, and water treatment plants. Similarly, indoor MPs can enter the human body during inhalation and ingestion as an individual spends most of the time indoors. This study employed a passive sampling method, followed by digestion, density separation, Nile red (NR) tagging, and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to identify the abundance and characteristics of MPs in indoor and outdoor (urban, semi-urban, and industrial) air in Bangkok, Thailand. This study revealed an average indoor MPs deposition of 154 ± 62 particles/square meter/day (p/m²/d). Fragments (68%) were the most abundant shape indoors. Polypropylene (PP) was the most common polymer type. Indoor MPs likely come from plastic items, such as packaging, bags, and containers/bottles, during tearing and opening and polymer-based paints and coatings due to aging. Similarly, the average MPs deposition rate was 103 ± 52, 238 ± 109, and 263 ± 128 p/m²/d at Chulalongkorn (urban), SIIT (semi-urban), and Bangkadi (industrial) sites, respectively. Fragments dominated other shapes in all the outdoor sites. PP was the polymer most repeatedly observed at Chulalongkorn, while polyethylene (PE) was the most common polymer at SIIT and Bangkadi. It is speculated that environmental degradation of plastic wastes (packaging, containers, and bags) and polymer-based paints and coatings on infrastructures add MPs to the atmosphere.
... Additionally, construction activities and road traffic contribute to the presence of airborne polymer particles. Common polymers found in the atmosphere include polyester, acrylic, polyamide, and polyethylene, which are often present as fibers and fragments [116]. These airborne polymers can be transported over long distances by wind and atmospheric currents, leading to their deposition in both urban and remote areas. ...
The extensive use of polymeric materials has resulted in significant environmental pollution, prompting the need for a deeper understanding of their degradation processes and impacts. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the degradation of polymeric materials in the environment and their impact on the health of experimental animals. It identifies common polymers, delineates their degradation pathways, and describes the resulting products under different environmental conditions. The review covers physical, chemical, and biological degradation mechanisms, highlighting the complex interplay of factors influencing these processes. Furthermore, it examines the health implications of degradation products, using experimental animals as proxies for assessing potential risks to human health. By synthesizing current research, the review focuses on studies related to small organisms (primarily rodents and invertebrates, supplemented by fish and mollusks) to explore the effects of polymer materials on living organisms and underscores the urgency of developing and implementing effective polymer waste management strategies. These strategies are crucial for mitigating the adverse environmental and health impacts of polymer degradation, thus promoting a more sustainable interaction between human activities and the natural environment.
... In industrial manufacturing sector, MPs can be released for wastewater treatment plants (Ahmed et al., 2024), textile industrial (Almas et al., 2022;Deng et al., 2020;Grillo et al 2023), garbage disposal incinerator and plastic products manufacturing plant (Shahsavaripour et al., 2023), etc. In the field of transportation, MPs can be found by tire wear (Kyriakoudes & Turner, 2023;Sommer et al., 2018), road dust , bitumen wear (Järlsko et al., 2020), etc. Therefore, the source apportionment of SAMPs is the important issue of current research, and atmospheric motion may be an important way of MPs from land to the atmosphere (Xu et al., 2022). ...
Suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) display varying occurrence characteristics on different underlying surfaces in urban areas. This study investigated the occurrence characteristics, source apportionment, and transportation patterns of SAMPs in two typical underlying surfaces: the downtown area (Site T) and the industrial area (Site C) of a coastal city in China. In the spring of 2023, a total of 32 types comprising 1325 SAMPs were detected. The average MP abundances were found to be 3.74 ± 2.86 n/m³ in Site T and 2.67 ± 1.68 n/m³ in Site C. In Site T, SAMPs attributed to living source constituted 78.05%, while industry was the main source in Site C with a proportion reaching 42.89%, consistent with the functional zoning of the underlying surface. Furthermore, HYSPLIT analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between these two sites in long-distance horizontal transport affected by external airflow regardless of altitude; conversely, PCA indicated a notable correlation between vertical velocity and both abundance and species diversity. According to the hourly average wind speeds, the maximum transmission distance was computed as 350 km for updraft and the minimum transmission distances was as low as 32 m for downdraft. Subsequently, the coincidence between the source proportion of SAMPs on random day and meteorological parameters confirmed the synergistic impact on SAMPs transport influenced by functional zoning, geographic environment, and vertical velocity.
Graphical Abstract
... The atmosphere serves as a significant conduit for the long-range transportation of MPs, as evidenced by studies in Nanjing, China (Rao et al., 2024), Plymouth, England (Kyriakoudes & Turner, 2023), and across Asia and its adjacent oceans (Long et al., 2022). These minute plastic particles, originating from diverse sources, readily become airborne due to their lightweight nature and minute size. ...
Microplastic (MP) transport mechanisms refer to the pathways through which MPs migrate within the environment, while MP remediation techniques encompass methods employed to mitigate their presence. Despite prior research efforts investigating various aspects of MPs, knowledge gaps persist in this emerging field. This book chapter contributes a novel perspective by exploring the nexus between MP transport mechanisms and their corresponding remediation strategies. The findings indicate that each environmental compartment is influenced by unique factors, but is interconnected. Airborne MPs are dispersed by wind currents, with their transport influenced by MP characteristics, anthropogenic activities, and climatic conditions. In terrestrial ecosystems, MPs are carried by water and biota, with environmental factors, MP properties, and soil characteristics exerting significant influence. Aquatic systems receive MP inputs from runoff and atmospheric deposition, with organisms, salinity levels, waves, and currents acting as key determinants. Optimal remediation approaches were identified for different settings based on their distinct transport mechanisms. In urban and industrial areas with elevated levels of airborne MPs, air filtration systems or phytoremediation techniques have proven effective. Regions prone to bioturbation by earthworms or other soil organisms may benefit from bioremediation strategies that exploit the metabolic capabilities of these organisms. In coastal and marine environments, where MPs are transported by ocean currents and waves, strategic interventions such as barrier installations or the creation of artificial eddies are vital tools. To effectively address the MP pollution challenge, further research is needed to identify effective remediation techniques for specific environmental compartments.
... This is particularly significant considering the numerous studies that have investigated the abundance of atmospheric MNPs globally, with a particular focus on the Northern Hemisphere [93]. For instance, concentrations range from 0.01 particles per m 3 in certain regions [94][95][96], i.e., Sri Lanka, to as high as 5700 particles per m 3 in others, i.e., Beijing, China [22,[97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111]. In indoor environments the detected number of particles widely vary, depending on ventilation, air circulation, function of the indoor space, among others [112][113][114][115], ranging from 0.13 to 8865 particles [19,37,40,[116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125] per m 3 . ...
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging pollutants, have attracted increasing attention due to their potential adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, and climate. The rapid, turbulent, and large-scale nature of atmospheric transport facilitates both horizontal and vertical movement of MNPs over long distances within a short time, largely independent of topographical constraints, thereby accelerating their global cycle and exacerbating their impacts. Research on the atmospheric life cycle of MNPs primarily relies on a combination of observations and numerical modelling, yet emission estimates remain the major source of uncertainty, posing substantial challenges for lifecycle assessment. This review synthesises findings from atmospheric observations and numerical modelling studies conducted over the past five years to examine the sources and long-range transport dynamics of MNPs, as well as the key factors influencing their transport, while also quantifying uncertainties in emission flux estimates. Two major uncertainties persist: the wide variability in marine emission estimates, which span four orders of magnitude, and the unresolved question of whether terrestrial or marine sources are the dominant contributors to atmospheric micro/nanoplastic emissions. Furthermore, this review highlights critical factors driving these uncertainties, including limited data availability, inconsistencies in observational methodologies, oversimplified simulations, and gaps in understanding atmospheric cycling mechanisms. Additionally, variations in the particle size ranges targeted by different observational and modelling studies hinder cross-comparisons and model evaluations, representing another important source of uncertainty. To address these issues, we call for establishing a global network of standardised observations, improving sampling and simulation practices, and incorporating artificial intelligence. These strategies will enhance our understanding of the complete atmospheric cycle of MNPs, paving the way for more effective environmental management and better-informed policy decisions.
Recent investigations based on sea–air transfer physical mechanistic studies suggest that the global ocean’s contribution to atmospheric microplastic emissions is significantly lower (four orders of magnitude) than previously estimated. However, no atmospheric models or observations have yet validated this lower emission flux, leaving the analysis without adequate validation and practical significance. Here, we provide quantitative estimates of the global atmospheric microplastic budget based on this reduced oceanic flux. Our model aligns well with observed atmospheric microplastic concentrations and suggests that the ocean functions more as a sink than a source, contributing only ~0.008% of global emissions but accounting for ~15% of total deposition. This challenges the previous view of the ocean as the primary atmospheric microplastic source, urging a reassessment of pollution mitigation strategies.
