Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Physical characteristics of microplastic particles and potential for global atmospheric transport: A meta-analysis
Sydney Fox1, Hlynur Stefánsson1, Mark Peternell2
1Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Abstract:
Recent interest in microplastic pollution of natural environments has brought forth samples which confirm the pollutant's omnipresence in a variety of ecosystems. This includes locations furthest removed from human activity. Atmospheric transport and deposition are suspected as the primary transport pathway to these remote locations. The factors most influential on participation in atmospheric transport are yet to be determined. This meta-analysis aims to identify patterns that exist between physical characteristics of microplastic particles and their potential for atmospheric transport. Our review addresses the following questions: Which characteristics of microplastic particles promote atmospheric transport and deposition into remote regions, and how significant are these factors in determining distance transported from their sources? This article analyzes commonly reported physical attributes-- shape, polymer composition and color-- from studies in urban and remote areas. The analysis of 68 studies, composed of data from 2078 samples, shows higher occurrence of microplastic particles in remote samples with fiber shapes, polyester compositions, and red, blue, and transparent colors. This meta-analysis is the first to identify patterns between physical properties of microplastic particles and extent of their participation in atmospheric transport to global remote locations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Freshwater Microbial Ecology
Microbes and Climate Change
Bioplastics
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

