Atmospheric microplastic deposition in an urban agglomeration: Spatiotemporal dynamics, influencing factors and ecological risks.

Atmospheric microplastic deposition in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban area averages 61.89 items·m−2·d−1, with higher fluxes in Beijing and Tianjin, especially in spring.

• Why it matters: Understanding the environmental fate and ecological risks of atmospheric microplastics in urban regions is critical for pollution management and public health, yet remains poorly studied.
• What they did: A year-round, high-density sampling across 33 sites was conducted to analyze spatiotemporal patterns, driving factors, and ecological risks, including polymer types, fluxes, and environmental influences.
• The result: Findings reveal significant regional and seasonal variations, with risks ranging from moderate to high, driven by factors like GDP, road density, wind speed, and humidity, informing pollution control strategies.