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
In this Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast, Hosein Foroutan talked about how microplastics travel through both the ocean and the atmosphere — and why it’s important to understand their impact on our environment and health. It’s a conversation about where these tiny particles come from, how they move, and what we’re doing to study them.
Foroutan lead the Plastic Pollution Working Group at Virginia Tech’s Global Change Center — a collaborative effort bringing together researchers from diverse fields to tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From tracking microplastics in air and water to exploring innovative solutions and policies, we’re working to better understand and reduce plastic pollution at every level. Interested in getting involved or learning more? Check out our working Group here: Plastic Pollution Working Group