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Atmospheric microplastic emissions from land and ocean.

Ioanna Evangelou1, Silvia Bucci2, Andreas Stohl2

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Global microplastic (MP) emissions are lower than previously estimated. Land sources contribute more MP particles to the atmosphere than oceanic sources, though mass contributions require further investigation.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Atmospheric Chemistry
  • Pollution Studies

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as pervasive global pollutants.
  • The atmospheric distribution and emission rates of MPs remain poorly quantified.
  • Existing estimates of atmospheric MP emissions vary significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compile a global dataset of atmospheric MPs.
  • To compare measured atmospheric MP concentrations with model simulations.
  • To refine estimates of global atmospheric MP emissions from land and ocean sources.

Main Methods:

  • Compilation of a global atmospheric microplastic dataset.
  • Development and application of size-aligned microplastic model simulations.
  • Comparison of model outputs with measured atmospheric MP concentrations.
  • Estimation of land-based and oceanic MP emissions using a scaling method.

Main Results:

  • Model simulations indicated a two to four orders of magnitude overestimation of measured atmospheric MP concentrations.
  • Median atmospheric MP concentrations over the ocean were 27 times lower than over land.
  • Estimated global land-based emissions (6.1 × 10^17 particles/year) significantly exceed oceanic emissions (2.6 × 10^16 particles/year).
  • Land sources dominate the number of emitted MP particles but not necessarily the mass.

Conclusions:

  • Atmospheric microplastic emissions are likely lower than previously estimated.
  • Land-based sources are the primary contributors to the number of atmospheric microplastic particles.
  • Further research into the size distribution of microplastic emissions is warranted to understand mass contributions.