About this Research Topic
The role of atmospheric process in microplastic transport is complex but critical for an accurate understanding of their source-sink processes in the ocean. In the context of increasing microplastic load and associated ecological consequences, it highlights the need to evaluate the contribution of atmospheric transport to the marine microplastic budget. Therefore, elucidating the emission strength, spatiotemporal variation, driving factors, interface transfer and transport patterns of atmospheric microplastics can provide insights on the missing ‘puzzle’ of the microplastic cycle.
This Research Topic would include studies regarding sampling and analysis methods, spatiotemporal variation, interface exchange and transport patterns of atmospheric microplastics at a regional or global scale. It calls for original and novel studies that would greatly improve our understanding of microplastics in atmospheric system. Any types (original study, critical review, perspective etc.) of profound and novel papers are equally welcome, particularly for observational reports or modelling in marine atmospheric environment. This Research Topic welcomes, but is not limited to, the following themes:
• Novel and robust methods/instruments for quantitative and qualitative analysis of microplastics in the atmosphere and surface water;
• Measurement reports about atmospheric microplastic spatial-temporal variation and driving factors in coastal zone and marine atmosphere;
• Exchange processes and mechanisms of microplastics at the air-water interface;
• Weathering/degradation patterns and mechanisms of microplastics during the transport;
• Characterization of atmospheric microplastic emission strength, transport, deposition, and climate effects at a regional or global scale.
Keywords: microplastics, atmospheric transport, environmental behaviours, flux estimate, environmental effects
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.