The majority of studies on the transport of microplastics to the Arctic have focused on ocean pathways. Ocean currents originating in the south of Europe have been proposed to function as major transport routes, carrying microplastics from the more densely populated southern areas in Europe to the Arctic (Cózar et al., 2017; Tekman et al. 2020). However, given the limited empirical data and lack of harmonized methodologies for sample collection, it is not yet possible to estimate the magnitude, composition and sources of atmospheric microplastics transported to the Arctic.

Here we present the outcomes of a study applying passive and active air-samplers for wet and dry deposition on two remote monitoring stations, Ny Ålesund (Svalbard) in the High Norwegian Arctic, and at Birkenes in mainland Norway in 2022 and 2023. We complement the results with active airsamples collected on cruises along the East- and Westcoast of Svalbard in 2021 and 2023, representing Arctic offshore samples. Deposition sampling at Norwegian urban sites were carried out to further our understanding on sources and emission volumes from high populated areas.

Results were further analysed with respect to their spatial origin and long-range transport using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART. Rubber from car tires and Nylon dominated most samples, followed by PMMA and PVC. The estimated concentrations were fitting well on most timepoints, with some underestimation, indicating some missing sources in the model.

Bi-weekly samples were collected during the period of June-December in 2022 and 2023 for the Norwegian onshore samples and during June 2021 and 2023 for the arctic offshore samples. We used full metal bulk precipitation samplers and suspended air samplers (Innovation NILU’s Atmospheric Microplastic Collector).

All samples were handled under strict QA/QC requirements, with all sample treatment occurring in controlled conditions of clean rooms and laminar flow cabinets. After filtration on a GF/F filter, polymer determination was performed by pyr-GC/MS (Frontier lab multi shot pyrolizer EGA/PY 3030D connected to a Frontier lab AS 1020E Auto shot sampler connected to a ThermoScience TSQ9000 GC/MS/MS). All samples were accompanied with field and procedural blanks. Results were further analysed with respect to their spatial origin and long-range transport using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART.

Rubber from car tires and Nylon dominated most samples, followed by PMMA and PVC. The estimated concentrations were fitting well on most timepoints, with some underestimation, indicating some missing sources in the model. While SBR and Nylon dominate in the Norwegian mainland samples, contribute almost every of the measured polymers to the samples from Zeppelin. These differences can be explained by the closeness to urban regions being a source of car tire particles and synthetic textiles for Birkenes in Southern Norway, while Zeppelin is rather impacted by Long-range-transport of a broad range of polymers. MP concentrations in deposition samples were more than 10000-times higher than in active samples, and Arctic samples were in general lower than samples from the Norwegian mainland.

How to cite: Herzke, D., Schmidt, N., Eckhardt, S., and Evangeliou, N.: Atmospheric Microplastic in the Arctic and Mainland Norway; comparing urban and remote locations , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-10018, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-10018, 2024.

In recent times, microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a growing concern across the globe. MPs are easily transferred and ubiquitously found in ambient air. These MPs in the air can act as carriers for several toxic pollutants and exposure to MPs could lead to pulmonary diseases in humans. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most abundant airborne MPs in the ambient environements and nylon 66 is one of the most abundant MPs found in microenvironments. However, there are no studies reported for the quantification of airborne PET and nylon 66 microplastics present in inhalable fraction of ambient fine particulate matter. This study describes the methods optimized for the quantification of PET microplastics and nylon 66 microplastics bound to aiborne PM_2.5 using LC-MS/MS. Teflon and Quartz fiber filters were tested for extraction efficiency in measuring the mass concentrations of airborne PET MPs and nylon 66 MPs. Teflon filters have shown good recovery (80 % – 120 %) compared to Quartz filters. Using the optimized methods, a pilot study was carried out at Delhi, the National Capital of India and Mohali, a suburban city in Northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain (NWIGP) for the determination of mass concentrations of PET MPs present in airborne inhalable fraction of ambient PM_2.5 and a pilot study was carried out to measure the mass concentrations of nylon 66 microplastics present in the inhalable fraction of particulate matter collected in a shopping complex. Observed maximum mass concentrations of PET MPs in airborne PM_2.5 at Delhi and Mohali are 135.2 ng m^-3 and 158.0 ng m^-3, respectively. The observed mass concentrations of nylon 66 MPs in the microenvironment in this study are in the range of 0.30 ng m^-3 to 4.37 ng m^-3.

How to cite: Chandra, B. P., Patnana, D. P., and Tripathi, P.: Detemination of Airborne Microplastics using LC-MS/MS, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-2744, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-2744, 2024.

Atmospheric processes and extreme weather events are pathways for the global distribution and deposition of microplastics. Despite the global prevalence of meteorological events, our understanding of atmospheric microplastic pathways and fall-out to the terrestrial, aquatic and marine environment resulting from storms and severe events is limited. In this study, we geospatially consider a unique time series of the movement of atmospheric microplastics and anthropogenic microdebris during an extreme tropical storm in Atlantic Canada. The large tropical storm Fiona was recorded as the deepest cyclone that caused the worst financial damage on record for Eastern Canada during its’ landfall in Nova Scotia (September 22^nd to 24^th 2022). We collected a unique timeseries of passive deposition samples of atmospheric fall-out before, during, and after storm Fiona. Through micro-Raman spectroscopy and Nile Red fluorescence techniques, we chemically and morphologically characterized particles and quantifies the microdebris and microplastic fallout resulting from the storm. Using back trajectory modelling we aim to identify storm related sources and movement of these particles prior to deposition. As climate change drives increased storm frequency and intensity, it becomes more critical than ever to obtain meteorological baseline data of these pathways.

How to cite: Ammendolia, J., Allen, D., LeBlanc, A. D., Jambeck, J. R., Merschrod, E., Allen, S., and Walker, T. R.: Chasing plastic storms: Assessing atmospheric microplastic deposition by a ‘pulse event’ of tropical storm Fiona in Eastern Canada, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-21699, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-21699, 2024.

Fossil fuel-based synthetic polymers release substantial amounts of chemicals throughout their life cycle. Given their potential for accumulation and persistence in the environment, plastic-associated chemicals released into the surrounding matrix during weathering have gained attention due to potential hazards to both the environment and human health. Particularly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), characterized by their high vapor pressure, can be emitted into the atmosphere as degradation products from plastics. Despite their significant impacts, the emission characteristics of these VOCs during the weathering process remain poorly understood. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by systematically characterizing the VOC emissions from plastics exposed to outdoor conditions. Pellets of five types of plastic (low- and high-density polyethylene, LDPE and HDPE; polypropylene, PP; expanded polystyrene, EPS; polyethylene terephthalate, PET) prevalent in marine environments as debris were subjected to year-long outdoor exposure. Physical and chemical transformations were examined through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), respectively, while VOCs were measured using Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) under controlled heating conditions of 60℃ in a chamber. Over the course of a year, noticeable alterations in color, fragmentation, and the occurrence of cracks were evident in EPS, PP, and LDPE plastics with considerable chemical modifications. Mass spectra of VOCs from plastics susceptible to weathering exhibited increased peak intensity and the number of peaks over time. The proportion of oxygen-containing compounds increased as a function of exposure time, indicating photooxidation of the plastic backbone. VOC emissions in the control group exhibited a decreasing trend throughout the year, indicating their source from residuals contained in the pellets. In contrast, those of the exposure group showed an increasing trend, particularly in LDPE, PP, and EPS, attributed to the production of degradation products. Calculations of potential annual emissions using annual concentration changes revealed a 2.25-fold increase in VOC emissions in sunlight exposure compared with the control group. These findings emphasize the significance of evaluating VOC emissions originating from plastics in environments with direct sunlight exposure, especially beaches, which frequently serve as hotspots for the accumulation of marine plastic debris.

Acknowledgement: This study was supported by the grant “Development of technology for impact assessment of plastic debris on marine ecosystem” from the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (PEA0204).

How to cite: Choi, N., An, J., Kim, D., Loh, A., and Yim, U.: Emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds from plastics exposed to sunlight, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-7162, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-7162, 2024.

Microplastic contamination poses a significant environmental threat with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. This study addresses this concern by conducting an extensive analysis of atmospheric microplastic (MP) deposition, with a focus on fostering international collaboration across countries. While significant research has focused on microplastics in aquatic environments, their presence in the atmosphere remains relatively unexplored. This research seeks to fill this gap by evaluating atmospheric MPs, providing crucial insights into their distribution and transport mechanisms. The main objective of this study is twofold: first, to assess the characteristics and prevalence of atmospheric MPs in North Wales, UK; and second, to establish collaborative partnerships with countries such as China, Vietnam, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Brazil. Simultaneously, the research identifies MPs in the soil, facilitating a comprehensive comparison between these two environments. This comparative analysis not only contributes to our understanding of potential atmospheric MP deposition onto the soil but also emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing this global issue. The sampling approach involves collecting both rainfall and soil samples over a year. Fluorescence microscopy is employed to assess the quantity, shape, and size of MPs, while Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR) is utilised to identify their polymer composition. Preliminary findings reveal a significant prevalence of small MPs (20-40 microns), with abundance diminishing as MP size increases. Temporal variations in MPs align primarily with rainfall patterns, with wind emerging as a crucial factor during periods of low-intensity precipitation. Additionally, the presence of MPs in the soil is expected to be influenced by vegetation coverage, with deposition anticipated to rise with increased precipitation. This comprehensive examination not only enhances our understanding of the environmental fate of MPs but also underscores the need for collaborative approaches to address atmospheric MP pollution globally. By establishing partnerships, the research aims to create a framework for shared knowledge and resources, enabling the comparison of atmospheric MP deposition across different climate zones. This international collaboration not only expands the study's scope but also fosters a collective understanding of the impact of atmospheric MPs on diverse environments.

How to cite: Florent, P. J., Collins, B. I., Graf, M., Reay, M. K., Chadwick, D. R., and Jones, D. L.: Comprehensive Analysis of Atmospheric Microplastic Deposition: Insights from North Wales, UK, and Global Collaborations., EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6748, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6748, 2024.

This study investigated the concentration of microplastics (MPs) > 2 µm in multiple ombrotrophic sphagnum peat archives, providing a quantitative analysis of the temporal evolution of global atmospheric MP deposition. From the 1990s to 2020, deposition rates have increased from hundreds or thousands to tens or hundreds of thousands of MPs/m²/day, depending on location. Polyethylene (PE) dominated the composition of identified synthetic polymers, comprising 93.5% of identified MPs (Fig. 1). Notably, 95% of particles measured less than 20 µm in diameter, emphasizing the prevalence of small-sized MPs in atmospheric transport and deposition. Projections estimated a daily terrestrial deposition of 34±23 g of MP per square kilometer in 2023 depending on location, totaling 1.9 million tonnes/year globally. The exponential growth trend aligned closely with the annual plastic production rate and suggest a doubling of today’s MP deposition rate by 2030 (Fig. 2). Even in the improbable scenario of a complete cease in plastic production, atmospheric MP deposition rates are likely to increase in the coming decades due to the large amount of mobile legacy plastics in the environment.

How to cite: Hagelskjær, O., Hagelskjær, F., Sonke, J. E., Margenat, H., Yakovenko, N., and Le Roux, G.: The temporal evolution of long-range atmospheric microplastic deposition, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-8636, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8636, 2024.

Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental concern and have been reported globally, from large urban cities such as Beijing to remote regions such as Antarctica. Due to their small size, MPs can be transported large distances and pose a threat to human health, ecosystem function, and climate processes. However, significant gaps in knowledge surrounding the presence and characteristics of atmospheric MPs found in remote regions remain, especially in the polar regions. These are sensitive environments with relatively low levels of human activity, and play important roles in the earth’s climate and ecosystem health. Although atmospheric MPs have been reported in both the Artic and Antarctic, the importance of local and distal sources, and the roles atmospheric and marine transport processes, are unclear. By examining the presence of atmospheric MPs in this region and their transport, it is possible to gain more understanding of the global extent of MP pollution and the pathways which result in the presence of this pollutant in such pristine locations.  

Supported by the Norwegian Polar Institute, deposited and suspended atmospheric MPs were collected over a 28-day period between May and June 2022 at the Ny-Ålesund Arctic research station in (78°55’ N, 11°56’ E), using active and passive sampling. µRaman analysis was carried out to identify polymer composition, and Nile-Red staining has been used to examine the shape and size of these particulates.

Atmospheric MP concentrations for the Artic region are reported and the environmental implications discussed. This is the first time both suspended and deposited atmospheric MPs have been reported in this area, and this offers the opportunity to further understand the global extent and composition of this emerging pollutant.

How to cite: MacDonald, A., Allen, D., White, C., Pheonix, V., and Materić, D.: Atmospheric microplastics in the Arctic Region: An examination of deposited and suspended atmospheric microplastics in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-16444, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16444, 2024.

Depending on their size and shape, microplastic particles have the potential to be transported over great distances in the atmosphere, both vertically and horizontally. Recent studies have shown that they can even reach the stratosphere. However, there is a lack of information on the distribution and amount of microplastics in the stratosphere.

Here, we estimate how much of microplastics from the second largest primary source can be found in the stratosphere. To investigate this, we use global road traffic-related emissions of microplastics - from tyres, road markings and polymer-modified bitumen - to simulate the atmospheric transport of particles of different sizes and spherical and cylindrical shapes using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART (Pisso et. al, 2019).

When exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) light, microplastic particles degrade and can release halogen-containing gases such as chlorine and bromine. For
example, neoprene, aka polychloroprene, which is present in tyres, contains around 40% chlorine by weight.

The released bromine and chlorine compounds could be involved in the catalytic destruction of ozone, similar to the release of chlorofluorocarbons and
halons under the Montreal Protocol. Therefore, in addition to quantifying the amount of microplastics reaching the stratosphere, we also estimate the amount of chlorine and bromine that can potentially be released during UV degradation of microplastics.

How to cite: Tatsii, D., Evangelou, I., Bucci, S., Bakels, L., and Stohl, A.: How much microplastic reaches the stratosphere? The example of road traffic-related emissions, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-8969, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8969, 2024.

Microplastics have been found in almost every environment on Earth. As it is known that microplastics gradually degrade into smaller particles, eventually reaching the nanoscale, one naturally expects to find nanoplastics in all of the places where microplastics are found, but in even greater numbers. Such nanoplastics have been shown to adsorb organic pollutants and to cross cell membranes in vitro. While not fully understood, they may have an adverse effect on human health, and therefore warrant further investigation.

However, analysing nanoplastics is challenging. Firstly, the more commonly used measurement techniques have limitations at this scale. Secondly, while micro- and nanoplastic research has predominantly concentrated on marine and fluvial environments, atmospheric transport is believed to be significant, particularly for nanoplastics, and it is difficult to sample the atmosphere systematically.

In this study, we combine high-sensitivity trace science methods with sampling the surface snows from high-altitude glaciers as a proxy for airborne micro- and nanoplastics. This was facilitated by a citizen science sampling strategy involving mountaineers from the HLR 22 Expedition (www.high-level-route.com). This enabled us to obtain samples from otherwise inaccessible high-altitude glaciers in the Alps, thereby gaining a better insight into nanoplastics' presence and distribution in remote Alpine areas.

We analysed particles in the < 1 µm size fraction by thermal desorption-proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (TD-PTR-MS) using a method developed in previous studies. We fingerprinted the samples for common polymers (PE, PET, PP, PVC, PS and tire wear particles) and calculated a mass concentration for each polymer. Nanoplastics were detected at half of the sampled sites, with the majority by mass being PS and tire wear particles, showing just how pervasive nanoplastics are, even in places where humans rarely tread.

Our results show the value of a citizen science approach to analysing nanoplastics in remote and pristine environments. Confounding factors in such a sampling strategy bring risks of lower reproducibility, human error and contamination. However, strategies can be implemented to reduce these risks, and the results obtained are a unique and valuable contribution to understanding nanoplastics pollution. We conclude that the trained citizen science sampling approach is feasible for expanding the analysis to remote regions worldwide.

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How to cite: Jurkschat, L., Gill, A. J., Milner, R., Holzinger, R., and Materić, D.: Using a Citizen Science Approach to Assess Nanoplastics Pollution in Remote High-Altitude Glaciers, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-13933, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-13933, 2024.