Microplastics found in French mountain air from across the Atlantic Ocean

 

A micro plastic is defined as a tiny piece of plastic less than 5 mm in diameter these particles have previously been found in the lower region of the troposphere called the boundary layer where the friction between the air and the air surface has been relatively low. Now it’s just been discovered that these micro plastics can travel in a higher altitude of the trough of fear but doesn’t have any of these friction affects called the three troposphere. The very high wind speeds allow these micro plastics to travel very long distances. These tiny particles of plastic are excellent at collecting viruses and other pollutants as they move. Scientist have collected samples of micro plastics in the Pyrenees which is 3000 m above sea level and a found that this contains amounts of these micro plastics. Some of these micro plastics were from the ocean picked up by winds. Many of these particles were between five and 20 µm in diameter. This size of particles can easily be inhaled and potentially cause severe breathing problems. Many countries burn their plastic waste find that small particles will make it into the troposphere.



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