Thesis
An examination of the measurement and extent of atmospheric microplastic pollution in urban and remote areas
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2025
- Thesis identifier
- T17649
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202072889
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Microplastics (MPs) defined as polymeric particles between 1μm and 5mm in size, have been reported in every environmental compartment (air, water, sediments). Their small size facilitates transport and ingestion by animals and humans, and raises environmental and climate concerns. Since atmospheric MPs were first reported in 2015 research has grown rapidly, but significant knowledge gaps remain regarding their extent, transport and impacts. Inconsistent sampling and analytical methods limit comparison between studies, particularly between remote and urban environments. This thesis addresses these gaps by evaluating active atmospheric sampling parameters, comparing remote and urban environments, and investigating long range transport. For the first time, the influence of sampling duration and pumping rate on MP measurements is assessed. Results show that sampling parameters affect MP concentrations, particle size distribution and morphologies, but not polymer composition. Increasing sampled air volume did not proportionally increase MP concentrations (MP/m3), while shorter sampling durations and lower pumping rates enhanced particle collection efficiency. Practical recommendations are provided to guide future atmospheric sampling strategies. Atmospheric MPs were characterised in suspended and deposited atmospheric particles in the Artic region for the first time (Svalbard, Norway). The atmospheric MP content of the urban environment is also examined (Glasgow, Scotland). MPs were identified in all samples. In both locations, the majority of particles were below <20μm (~70%). Dispersion modelling indicates long-distance transport from the North Atlantic and continental Europe, highlighting marine-atmospheric and transboundary pathways. Urban concentrations were several orders of magnitude higher and included more fibres, consistent with textile sources. Acrylic, Polysulfone, and Polyethersulfone were common polymers in both locations, indicating industrial and textile sources. Overall this thesis that demonstrates that MP are ubiquitous in both remote and urban environments. Modelling confirms the significance of long-range and marine-atmospheric pathways and highlights the need for improving detection limits and the need for harmonised methods to report on polymer composition and particle characteristics.
- Advisor / supervisor
- White, Christopher J.
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Date Created
- 2025
- Embargo Note
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