Global Pollution Concern as Researchers Find microplastics in Clouds
By News Editor Cormac McCarthy
In a study published in the journal Environmental Chemistry Letters, Japanese researchers have confirmed the presence of microplastics in clouds, a discovery that may have far-reaching consequences for climate and environmental health. The researchers, led by Hiroshi Okochi of Waseda University, took samples from the peaks of Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama. This collection of cloud water samples demonstrated further evidence of plastic pollution that has led to a growing concern for climate activists globally.
Using advanced imaging techniques, the team identified nine different types of polymers and one type of rubber among the airborne microplastics. These particles, ranging in size from 7.1 to 94.6 micrometers, were found in concentrations of 6.7 to 13.9 pieces per liter of cloud water tested.
Okochi said in a statement that “If the issue of 'plastic air pollution' is not addressed proactively, climate change and ecological risks may become a reality, causing irreversible and serious environmental damage in the future.”
The study revealed the growing issue of what happens when microplastics reach the upper atmosphere. The study showed that when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, they degrade at a much faster rate, contributing to the production of greenhouse gases.
Microplastics, which are defined as plastic particles under 5 millimeters originating from industrial effluent, textiles, synthetic car tires, personal care products, and other sources, have previously been found in fish, Arctic Sea ice, and the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. However, the mechanisms of their transport to such varied locations remain unclear, with limited research on airborne microplastic transport.
Waseda University emphasized the potential human and animal health risks associated with microplastic ingestion or inhalation. The university stated, “Ten million tons of these plastic particles end up in the ocean, released with the ocean spray, and find their way into the atmosphere. This implies that microplastics may have become an essential component of clouds, contaminating nearly everything we eat and drink via 'plastic rainfall.'”
The issue of microplastics has grown in recent years with emerging evidence linking microplastics to heart and lung health issues, cancers, and widespread environmental harm underscores the urgency of addressing the pervasive presence of these particles. The study marks a crucial step in understanding the intricate relationship between microplastics, clouds, and their impact on climate and human health.
