Processes on the earth-atmosphere interface influence the source-sink dynamics of airborne microplastics (MPs), yet we lack understanding and quantification. Monthly atmospheric deposition over one year (08/2024-07/2025) at four study sites located less than 700 meters apart at the Ecological-Botanical Garden at the University of Bayreuth, Germany were collected and analyzed for number, size, shape, and polymer type using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We evaluated the relative importance of wet and dry depositions in the scavenging of airborne MPs and explored its spatial and temporal variability.

This study examines airborne nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in an urban environment, focusing on their concentration, size distribution, and chemical composition. Using aerosol samples collected over two weeks, the current study analysed synthetic polymers in different particulate matter (PM) fractions: PM₁₀, PM_2.5 (fine microplastics), and PM_10-2.5 (coarse microplastics). Tire wear particles accounted for ~65% of total NMPs, with car tire tread as the dominant. Strong correlations were observed among fine microplastics, indicating common sources. Associations with carbonaceous species suggest shared emissions and secondary formation processes. Findings emphasize the need for extended monitoring and regulatory measures to address airborne NMP pollution.

Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants due to their widespread presence, however, identifying airborne MNPs is challenging due to their small size. Mechanical recycling, essential for a circular economy, can generate MNPs during energy-intensive processes like shredding and washing. Understanding MNP formation in recycling facilities is crucial for emission reduction strategies. This study tracked polypropylene (PP) emissions during recycling, using real-time and offline particulate matter sampling methods. Results showed increased airborne particles during shredding and significant PP emissions during washing. These findings can help develop protocols for monitoring and reducing airborne MNPs in recycling processes.

Inhalation is the primary route of exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) for workers, especially in workplaces involving plastic materials. Indoor MNP concentrations can be much higher than outdoors, but limited data and lack of standard methods hinder exposure assessment. The INAIL BRiC CELLOPHAN project aims to develop multi-technique sampling and analytical methods to characterize airborne MNP in the particulate matter (PM) of indoor workplaces. Three plants were investigated (a water bottling plant, a tyre fixing/car repair shop and a textile factory) by different co-located samplers (PM, VOC) and direct-reading instruments. First-year results are presented and discussed in this contribution

This study explores whether microplastics, including polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and tire wear particles can influence cloud formation by promoting ice formation. Laboratory experiments show that some microplastics can act as ice-nucleating particles and initiate freezing in mimicked cloud droplets at higher temperatures than the water background. Simulated atmospheric aging had either no effect or decreased the freezing temperatures. These findings suggest that microplastics may impact cloud freezing processes if present in high concentrations. In addition, their atmospheric lifetime may be impacted by ice nucleation followed by precipitation, with implications for their transport pathways.

Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in various environmental, as well as biological, contexts and their presence has attracted the attention of the scientific community, which has classified them as new emerging contaminants. Airborne MPs are a relatively new topic and research has to largely focus on indoor environments, as most people, on average, spend around 90% of their time in homes and workplaces.

Consequently, the aim of this innovative study, performed within the BRIC ID-14 CELLOPHAN project, is to investigate the exposure levels of MPs in workplaces, specifically by characterizing them using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.