Transport and deposition of ocean-sourced microplastic particles by a North Atlantic hurricane

• Published in: Communications Earth & Environment
• Main Authors: Anna C. Ryan, Deonie Allen, Steve Allen, Vittorio Maselli, Amber LeBlanc, Liam Kelleher, Stefan Krause, Tony R. Walker, Mark Cohen
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Portfolio 2023
• Subjects: Geology; QE1-996.5; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Canada; Storm Peak; Newfoundland; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-01115-7; https://doaj.org/article/b606af20de4e4d18beda75eb9a6f4d33

Abstract The atmosphere can transport large quantities of microplastics and disperse them throughout the globe to locations inaccessible by many other transport mechanisms. Meteorological events have been proven to pick up and transport particulate matter, however, how they influence the transport and deposition of atmospheric microplastics is still poorly understood. Here we present samples of atmospheric fallout collected during Hurricane Larry as it passed over Newfoundland, Canada in September 2021. During the storm peak, 1.13 × 105 particles m−2 day−1 were deposited, with a decline in deposition after the storm passed. Back-trajectory modelling and polymer type analysis indicate that those microplastics may have been ocean-sourced as the hurricane traversed the garbage patch of the North Atlantic Gyre. This study identifies the influence of North Atlantic hurricanes on the atmospheric transport and deposition of ocean-sourced microplastics and the possible consequences of increased exposure to microplastics in remote areas.