Microplastics in clouds is a bad omen: Could affect weather and temperatures

Microplastics have become a pervasive issue, infiltrating various aspects of our environment, including air, water, soil, and even our food and blood. Now, it seems that they have made their way into the clouds as well.

Recent research conducted by scientists from Shandong University in China has revealed the presence of microplastics in cloud water samples collected atop Mount Tai. Out of the 28 samples collected, 24 contained microplastics, including particles commonly found in synthetic fibers, clothing, textiles, packaging, and face masks.

This discovery is significant as it provides concrete evidence of the abundance of microplastics in clouds. Earlier this year, a study conducted in Japan also found microplastics at the peaks of Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama, suggesting that these particles may have originated from plastics in the ocean and been transported through the air.

The concentration of microplastics in the cloud water of Mount Tai was found to be up to 70 times higher than that of Japan’s mountains. This finding challenges our perception of pollution, as we often associate it with liquid forms that flow into rivers and seas. Microplastics, however, defy these conventional rules due to their physical nature. They can be found even in pristine environments, such as the summits of these remote and hard-to-reach mountains.

So, how do microplastics end up in the clouds? Apart from contamination from human activities in these areas, it is believed that the particles can be transported through the air. Low-altitude and denser clouds tend to contain higher amounts of microplastics, indicating their airborne transportation.

This research sheds light on the far-reaching impact of microplastics and highlights the urgent need to address this issue. It is crucial that we take steps to reduce the production and release of microplastics into the environment to protect our planet and its ecosystems.

Aged plastics, which have been weathered by ultraviolet radiation, are smaller and have rougher surfaces. They also contain higher levels of lead, mercury, and oxygen compared to untouched plastics. Scientists have discovered that clouds can potentially alter microplastics, which could impact cloud formation.

Cloud formation plays a significant role in both local weather patterns and global temperatures. Clouds have various effects on the climate. They contribute to precipitation and snowfall, influencing global rainfall and vegetation. Additionally, clouds block sunlight, cooling the Earth’s surface and providing shade. However, they can also trap heat and humidity, leading to warmer air.

While further research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on the weather, it is evident that more action should be taken to address this issue.

Humans are the only group of animals on this planet that use plastic, as highlighted by Couceiro. Therefore, a global response is necessary, as this problem cannot be solved by a single country due to the fact that air knows no boundaries. SOURCE: TheGuardian. By Aliya Uteuova