Microplastics and nanoplastics are one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. These tiny plastic particles have been found virtually in all ecosystems including land, ocean, river, lake, and even sea ice. Recently, atmosphere has emerged as an important pathway for these particles.
Using laboratory and field experiments as well as atmospheric models, we study emission, atmospheric transport, and deposition of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Our lab received the NSF CAREER award to investigate emissions of microplastics into the atmosphere via sea spray:
NSF CAREER Award to understand how plastic particles are aerosolized