Work

Estimating the emission of microplastics from urban surfaces into the atmosphere using the PI-SWERL

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are a global concern, with the atmosphere being a key pathway for their transport. Understanding their sources is crucial for controlling MP dispersion. This study examines MPs on urban surfaces and their transport through wind erosion using a Portable In Situ Wind Erosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL) under two wind shear conditions. Material was collected in Coimbra, Portugal, from fourteen locations associated with different land uses. MPs number and types were determined with a stereomicroscope and micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (μ-FTIR), respectively. MP concentrations in soils ranged from 16 ± 4 particles•g −1 to 327 ± 494 particles•g −1 . Emission fluxes ranged from 5 ± 1 particles•m −2 •s −1 to 28 ± 4 particles•m −2 •s −1 , higher than previous reports. At 4000 revolutions per minute (RPM), enrichment ratio was 3 ± 17 MPs, and at 6000 RPM, 2 ± 6 MPs. A light wind can erode a significant amount of MPs. Light density MPs smaller than 200 μm eroded more easily. Emissions were highest on asphalt (22 ± 9.5 particles•m −2 •s −1 ) and lowest on grass (8 ± 8.25 particles•m −2 •s −1 ). Grass may help control MP dispersion. These findings can inform MP transport models and policies to mitigate contamination. • The number of MPs on urban surfaces ranged from 16 ± 4 particles•g −1 to 327 ± 494 particles•g −1 . • The MP emission flux from urban surfaces ranged from 5 ± 1 particles•m −2 •s −1 to 28 ± 4 particles•m −2 •s −1 . • Impermeable asphalt surfaces seemed to be more susceptible to erosion than soil or grass surfaces. • Greater levels of grass cover resulted in fewer eroded MPs detected in green parks. • Light density MPs smaller than 200 µm eroded more easily from urban surfaces.

Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138170

Authors: I.A. Leitão, L. van Schaik, D. Goossens, A.J.D. Ferreira, V. Geissen

Institutions: Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Wageningen University & Research, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,340