First quantification and chemical characterization of atmospheric microplastics observed in Seoul, South Korea

Chang, Dongwoo; Jeong, Su‐Jong; Shin, Jaewon; Park, Jungmin; Park, Chan‐Ryul; Choi, Sumin; Chun, Chi-hwan; Chae, Min-young; Lim, Byung C.

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121481

Cited by 16 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 71 publications

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“…Based on other field observations of Zhu et al and others shown in Figure , − atmospheric microplastic concentrations generally decrease from megacities to the remote oceans, with Luo et al highlighting a significant correlation with population density, suggesting terrestrial sources outstrip ocean emissions. Moreover, the latest Py-GC-MS observations found high concentrations of vehicle tire and break microplastics in some sites of northern Atlantic air, indicating the microplastic land-to-sea atmospheric transport.…”

Section: Controversy On Microplastic Sea–air Emission Fluxmentioning

confidence: 68%

“…This initial success, however, was overshadowed by plastic accumulation in the environment without biodegradation, with a considerable portion of microplastics smaller than (sub-) 5 mm, including sub-0.1 μm nanoplastics (hereafter, unless noted, size denotes diameter). − The small size makes plastic particles susceptible to entering the atmosphere . Since 2015, suspended microplastics in the atmosphere have been found worldwide, varying by geographic location (Figure ), − posing potential risks to ecosystems and human health. − This highlights the importance of understanding atmospheric microplastic sources to devise effective reduction strategies. Initial reports considered the oceans to be a major source.…”

Section: Controversy On Microplastic Sea–air Emission Fluxmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Perspective on the Controversy over Global Emission Fluxes of Microplastics from Ocean into the Atmosphere

Yang,

Lu,

Wang

2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Since the transfer of microplastic across the sea−air interface was first reported in 2020, numerous studies have been conducted on its emission flux estimation. However, these studies have shown significant discrepancies in the estimated contribution of oceanic sources to global atmospheric microplastics, with evaluations ranging from predominant to negligible, varying by 4 orders of magnitude from 7.7 × 10 −4 to 8.6 megatons per year, thereby creating considerable confusion in the research on the microplastic cycle. Here, we provide a perspective by applying the well-established theory of particulate transfer through the sea−air interface. The upper limit of global sea−air emission flux microplastics was calculated, aiming to constrain the controversy in the previously reported fluxes. Specifically, the flux of sub-100 μm microplastic cannot exceed 0.01 megatons per year, and for sub-0.1 μm nanoplastics, it would not exceed 3 × 10 −7 megatons per year. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the sea−air limb in the "plastic cycle", and facilitates the management of future microplastic pollution.

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Section: Controversy On Microplastic Sea–air Emission Fluxmentioning

confidence: 68%

Section: Controversy On Microplastic Sea–air Emission Fluxmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Perspective on the Controversy over Global Emission Fluxes of Microplastics from Ocean into the Atmosphere

Yang,

Lu,

Wang

2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Distribution Characteristics of Atmospheric Microplastics in Typical Desert Agricultural Regions

Du,

Zhao,

et al. 2024

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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We examined the distribution characteristics of atmospheric microplastics in typical desert agricultural regions, with a focus on the agricultural areas surrounding the Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang, China. We collected samples of total suspended particulate matter (TSP), atmospheric deposition, and atmospheric dust using both active and passive collection methods. The chemical composition, particle size, shape, and color of atmospheric microplastics were examined using a stereomicroscope and a Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer to analyze their characteristics. The results showed that the primary chemical compositions of microplastics included polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, and cellophane. Particle sizes were mainly within the range of 0 to 1000 μm. Fibrous microplastics constituted the majority of the TSP and atmospheric deposition, whereas film‐like microplastics constituted the largest proportion of atmospheric dustfall. The deposition flux of atmospheric microplastics in the first quarter was measured at 103.21 ± 22.12 particles/m2/day, which was lower than that observed in conventional agricultural areas. The abundance of microplastics in atmospheric dustfall was found to be 1.36 particles/g. The proportion of PP microplastics in atmospheric dustfall can be as high as 35%. Through a comparison of microplastic content in TSP during dust storms and under normal weather conditions, it was found that dust storms can lead to an increase in the abundance of microplastics within the atmospheric TSP. The present study provides a scientific basis for understanding the distribution of atmospheric microplastics in typical desert agricultural regions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1–14. © 2024 SETAC.

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Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in Shiraz, Iran

Abbasi,

Ahmadi,

Khodabakhshloo

et al. 2024

Atmospheric Pollution Research

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First quantification and chemical characterization of atmospheric microplastics observed in Seoul, South Korea

Cited by 16 publications

References 71 publications

A Perspective on the Controversy over Global Emission Fluxes of Microplastics from Ocean into the Atmosphere

A Perspective on the Controversy over Global Emission Fluxes of Microplastics from Ocean into the Atmosphere

Distribution Characteristics of Atmospheric Microplastics in Typical Desert Agricultural Regions

Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in Shiraz, Iran

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