Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are increasingly impacting our environment, including our weather. A new study suggests that these kind of plastics can influence cloud formation by aiding in the formation of ice crystals, which are essential for rain droplet formation.
The study involved exposing water droplets containing four different types of microplastics — low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — to cooling temperatures. The results showed that the droplets with microplastics formed ice crystals at significantly warmer temperatures than those without, indicating these plastics can accelerate cloud formation.
This finding has significant implications for weather patterns. Microplastics in the atmosphere could lead to both decreased rainfall and more intense rain events. While more droplets may form, they may be smaller, resulting in less overall rainfall. However, these droplets can grow larger and fall as heavier rain when conditions are right.
This research adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the pervasive nature of these plastics and their potential to disrupt various environmental processes. As scientists continue to investigate the impacts of microplastics, it’s clear that addressing plastic pollution is crucial for mitigating its effects on our climate and ecosystems.
“It’s now clear that we need to have a better understanding of how they’re interacting with our climate system because the study has showen that the process of cloud formation can be triggered by microplastics.”
Reference- Journal Environmental Science and Technology: Air, Penn University research, Futurism, National Geographic