Atmospheric microplastic deposition in an urban environment and an evaluation of transport

Microplastics are a global environmental issue contaminating aquatic and terrestrial environments. They have been reported in atmospheric deposition, and indoor and outdoor air, raising concern for public health due to the potential for exposure. Moreover, the atmosphere presents a new vehicle for microplastics to enter the wider environment, yet our knowledge of the quantities, characteristics and pathways of airborne microplastics is sparse. Here we show microplastics in atmospheric deposition in a major population centre, central London. Microplastics were found in all samples, with deposition rates ranging from 575 to 1008 microplastics/m2/d. They were found in various shapes, of which fibrous…

• SR
  Sight Research UK

  Awards: NE/S006729/1, NE/N007018/1, NE/S006729/2
• NO
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Awards: MR/R026521/2, MR/S020810/2, MR/M501669/1, MR/S020810/1, MR/R026521/1
• NE
  Natural Environment Research Council

  Awards: NE/N007018/1, NE/S006729/2, NE/S006729/1