Atmospheric Microplastics and Nanoplastics: A Systematic Review of Sources, Transport, Chemical Transformation, Pollutant Interactions and Climate Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1011-5290Keywords:
Atmospheric microplastics, Nanoplastics, Atmospheric transport, Chemical aging, Pollutant interactions, Aerosols, Climate change, Human health, Atmospheric depositionAbstract
Atmospheric MPs and NPs are now acknowledged as pervasive global environmental pollutants whose environmental role in atmospheric chemistry, pollution and climate change is progressively recognised. In this review we provide an integrated overview of current scientific understandings on sources, occurrences, transport, chemical evolution, pollutant interactions and environmental impacts of atmospheric plastic particles. Emissions primarily come from transport sector, industrial processes, man-made fibres and waste management system, whereas secondary emissions may come from fragmentation and re-suspension of plastic debris from land and sea surfaces. Once in the atmosphere, MPs and NPs can undergo long-range transport and both wet and dry deposition to pollute the remote ecosystems. Ultraviolet irradiation, ozone, hydroxyl radical and heterogeneous reactions in atmosphere can result in the weathering of plastic particles. The changes in particle morphology, surface functionalization and transformation from MP to NP have a profound effect on interaction of plastic with POPs, heavy metals, PAHs and PFASs to function as a reactive pollutant carriers. Increasing evidence is revealed on the role of atmospheric plastic on radiative forcing, cloud microphysics, formation of SOA and human health by inhalation. Although, the study on atmospheric MPs/NPs has gained significant interest and rapid progresses, a substantial research gap still existed for detection of nanoplastic, source apportionment and their atmospheric transport modelling and climatic feedback, therefore future study will need the development of standardized methodology, analytical technology and incorporating atmospheric plastic particles in environmental monitoring programs.
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