A neglected transport of plastic debris to cities from farmland in remote arid regions

Effect of Dry Soil Aggregate Size on Microplastic Distribution and Its Implications for Microplastic Emissions Induced by Wind Erosion

“…These results provided valuable information for improving our understanding of the entrainment, transport, and deposition of MPs by wind erosion. Field-scale MP emission experiments are the cornerstone for diffusion route modeling , and quantitative MP emission evaluations at a regional scale. , Therefore, it is critical to perform sophisticated experiments to examine the relationship between the primary factors (wind speed, soil aggregates, and MP characteristics) and MP enrichment in wind-blown sediments in different locations with various geographic conditions. It is also necessary to develop a unified, efficient, and stable protocol that includes wind erosion monitoring and MP extraction from soils and airborne sediments.…”

“…Abundant MPs have accumulated in soils. These MPs can effectively aggregate with soil particles, , thus affecting basic soil physicochemical properties (such as soil aggregate size, bulk density, water-holding capacity, and organic matter), which in turn may affect water and wind erosion processes. − Dry soils with aggregates of more erodible sizes (<0.85 mm) are more susceptible to wind erosion and therefore have higher potential for the translocation of MPs present in the soil. − Studies have further suggested that wind erosion-induced MP emissions may be an important airborne source of MPs. , …”

“…Recently, wind tunnel experiments were conducted to explore the characteristics of MPs in wind-blown sediments in different environments. , Field studies have been performed to investigate how MPs are enriched in wind-blown sand and dust. ,, The possible dispersive routes of wind-driven atmospheric MPs were also evaluated using a forward (backward) trajectory model (the HYSPLIT model). , Fundamentally, MP translocation by wind erosion is affected by processes such as advection, dispersion, diffusion, degradation, settling, adsorption, and aggregation. ,, These studies have suggested that developing a framework for modeling MP transport by wind erosion at different locations based on local conditions is critical …”

“…10−14 Studies have further suggested that wind erosion-induced MP emissions may be an important airborne source of MPs. 15,16 Recently, wind tunnel experiments were conducted to explore the characteristics of MPs in wind-blown sediments in different environments. 17,18 Field studies have been performed to investigate how MPs are enriched in windblown sand and dust.…”

Microplastic Contamination in Urban, Farmland and Desert Environments along a Highway in Southern Xinjiang, China

“…Different frequencies and types of human activities may lead to significant differences in the categories, quantities, sizes and distributions of MPs. However, the characteristics and distribution of MPs have attracted less attention in the arid interiors, especially in desert areas [ 13 ].…”