Microplastic fibers to the stratosphere
Recent research by scientists from the University of Vienna and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Göttingen has revealed that the shape of microplastic particles significantly influences their atmospheric travel distances. Unlike spherical particles, which tend to settle quickly, microplastic fibers can ascend to the stratosphere, potentially impacting global ecosystems.
The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, combined laboratory experiments with model simulations to assess how microplastic fibers behave in the atmosphere. Researchers discovered that these fibers settle substantially slower than spherical particles of the same mass, allowing them to be transported over vast distances. Fibers up to 1.5 millimeters in length were found to reach some of the most remote areas on Earth, including the stratosphere.
This finding helps explain the presence of microplastics in isolated regions like Arctic glaciers and ice sheets, where atmospheric transport is the only plausible delivery mechanism. The study underscores the need for further research into the environmental implications of microplastics in the atmosphere, particularly concerning their potential effects on climate and ecosystems.
The researchers emphasize that understanding the dynamics of microplastic fibers in the atmosphere is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their environmental impact. This study provides a foundation for future investigations into the role of microplastics in atmospheric processes and their broader ecological consequences.
Resources:
More information: Daria Tatsii et al, Shape Matters: Long-Range Transport of Microplastic Fibers in the Atmosphere, Environmental Science & Technology (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08209
Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology