Over the past 20 years, scientists have increasingly identified microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) as a growing form of environmental pollution. These tiny plastic particles have been detected throughout all major parts of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
researchers from the Institute of Earth Environment of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS) developed a semi automated microanalytical technique designed to quantify plastic particles in the atmosphere.
Using this automated approach, the researchers found that plastic concentrations in total suspended particulates (TSP) and dustfall fluxes were two-six orders of magnitude higher than levels previously reported using visual identification methods (e.g., manual SEM-EDX, μ-FTIR, or μ-Raman).
— source Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters | Jan 12, 2026