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Tiny Plastic Particles Invade Chinese City Air
15 Jan
Summary
- Microplastics and nanoplastics are found at much higher levels than previously estimated.
- Airborne plastic particles can be carried by wind and traffic, traveling long distances.
- Daily urban activities, including traffic and tyre wear, contribute significantly to airborne plastics.
Recent scientific findings indicate that the air above China's largest cities contains significantly higher concentrations of microplastic and nanoplastic particles than previously understood. These microscopic plastic fragments, too small to be seen with the naked eye, are suspended in the atmosphere, drifting over urban environments. The study, which focused on Guangzhou and Xi'an, employed advanced analytical techniques to detect particles as small as 200 nanometres.
The research suggests that typical urban activities, particularly heavy traffic and tyre wear, are major contributors to this airborne plastic pollution. These particles can become resuspended in the air even during calm weather, indicating that megacity traffic alone may sustain high levels. Furthermore, these airborne plastics can remain suspended for extended periods and may even play a role in cloud formation, linking pollution to broader atmospheric processes.
