Microplastics in snow from protected areas in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan

Abstract

Snowfall is regarded as a carrier of airborne microplastics (MPs). Deposited snow can function as a temporary reservoir for atmospheric MPs. Nevertheless, knowledge and understanding of microplastics in snow remain sparse. This study investigates the abundance, composition, size, and shape of microplastics in snow specimens from various nature preservation areas and also from urban sites in Hokkaido. Various polymeric-type microplastics with mostly fragment shapes were detected among the specimens. Results demonstrated that MP abundance generally decreases concomitantly with increasing remoteness of sampling sites. Observed features of microplastics at different locations and their relation to geographical settings have indicated that the ubiquitously observed fine particles (mainly alkyd, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and polyethylene) are attributable to long-distance atmospheric transportation, while the rubber and larger particles especially found near highways and cities are from local sources of plastic.