Evidence of free tropospheric and long-range transport of microplastic at Pic du Midi Observatory - Archive ouverte HAL
Article Dans Une Revue Nature Communications Année : 2021

Evidence of free tropospheric and long-range transport of microplastic at Pic du Midi Observatory

Résumé

The emerging threat of atmospheric microplastic pollution has prompted researchers to study areas previously considered beyond the reach of plastic. Investigating the range of atmospheric microplastic transport is key to understanding the global extent of this problem. While atmospheric microplastics have been discovered in the planetary boundary layer, their occurrence in the free troposphere is relatively unexplored. Confronting this is important because their presence in the free troposphere would facilitate transport over greater distances and thus the potential to reach more distal and remote parts of the planet. Here we show evidence of 0.09-0.66 microplastics particles/m3 over 4 summer months from the Pic du Midi Observatory at 2877 meters above sea level. These results exhibit true free tropospheric transport of microplastic, and high altitude microplastic particles <50 µm (aerodynamic diameter). Analysis of air/particle history modelling shows intercontinental and trans-oceanic transport of microplastics illustrating the potential for global aerosol microplastic transport.
Fichier principal
Vignette du fichier
s41467-021-27454-7.pdf (2.84 Mo) Télécharger le fichier
Origine Fichiers éditeurs autorisés sur une archive ouverte

Dates et versions

insu-03661449 , version 1 (07-05-2022)

Licence

Identifiants

Citer

Steve Allen, Deonie Allen, F. Baladima, V. R. Phoenix, J. L. Thomas, et al.. Evidence of free tropospheric and long-range transport of microplastic at Pic du Midi Observatory. Nature Communications, 2021, 12, ⟨10.1038/s41467-021-27454-7⟩. ⟨insu-03661449⟩
212 Consultations
133 Téléchargements

Altmetric

Partager

More