Spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric microplastics in high and low population density areas at the intersection of tropical and subtropical regions

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There is limited information regarding spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric microplastics (MPs) and factors influencing MPs at the intersection of tropical and subtropical regions. A one-year study was conducted at sites in a high-population-density village (HPDV) and a low-population-density village (LPDV) in Taiwan to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of airborne MPs. The predominant shapes, sizes, and polymer compositions of MPs were fragments, 3 to 25 and 26–50 μm, and polyamide at both sites. Seasonal variation in MP morphologies was not significant. Average MP concentrations were 2.20 ± 2.97 particles/m3 and 1.92 ± 2.35 particles/m3 at the HPDV and LPDV sites, respectively, and did not differ significantly. Higher concentrations and smaller sizes of MPs were found during the summer at both sites, while the predominant wind direction was southerly or southwesterly. In samples with temperatures exceeding 25 °C, the temperature was positively associated with MP concentrations at both the HPDV and LPDV sites. These results reflect that temperature influences the variations in the concentrations and sizes of MPs at our study site. Future research should consider the adverse risks of MP inhalation during the hot season. Moreover, when sites with different population densities and levels of human activity are closed, MP concentrations will not differ significantly between these areas since airflow can transport these particles from high-population-density areas into low-population-density areas in a short time.