Green Roofs Prove Powerful in Trapping Microplastics from Rainwater

In a significant development, a research project led by Tongji University in Shanghai has provided evidence that green roofs can effectively remove microplastics from rainwater. The study, conducted in 2025, found that a lab-scale green roof mockup was able to capture 97.5% of ground rubber, polyurethane fibers, and other microplastics that were added to simulated rainfall.

The findings underscore the powerful potential of urban green roofs to act as passive interceptors of atmospheric microplastics, which have been turning up in an alarming array of places, including wild animal feces, the deep sea, and even human blood. The research team estimates that the green building surfaces in Shanghai could capture nearly 62 tons of microplastics annually, providing a promising nature-based solution to this growing environmental crisis.

Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a pervasive global problem. Their ubiquity has raised concerns about potential health risks, with scientists warning about the possible links to cancer and reproductive health issues. The Tongji University study highlights the ability of green roofs to mitigate this threat, offering unexpected co-benefits in densely built environments.