Biomonitoring of Airborne Microplastic Deposition in Semi-Natural and Rural Sites Using the Moss Hypnum cupressiforme

Bibliographic Details
Title: Biomonitoring of Airborne Microplastic Deposition in Semi-Natural and Rural Sites Using the Moss Hypnum cupressiforme
Authors: Fiore Capozzi, Maria Cristina Sorrentino, Eleonora Cascone, Mauro Iuliano, Gaetano De Tommaso, Angelo Granata, Simonetta Giordano, Valeria Spagnuolo
Source: Plants, Vol 12, Iss 5, p 977 (2023)
Publisher Information: MDPI AG, 2023.
Publication Year: 2023
Collection: LCC:Botany
Subject Terms: FT-IR microscope, atmospheric pollution, passive biomonitoring, plastic polymers, microfibers, Botany, QK1-989
More Details: We show that the native moss Hypnum cupressiforme can be used as a biomonitor of atmospheric microplastics (MPs). The moss was collected in seven semi-natural and rural sites in Campania (southern Italy) and was analyzed for the presence of MPs, according to standard protocols. Moss samples from all sites accumulated MPs, with fibers representing the largest fraction of plastic debris. Higher numbers of MPs and longer fibers were recorded in moss samples from sites closer to urbanized areas, likely as the results of a continuous flux from sources. The MP size class distribution showed that small size classes characterized sites having a lower level of MP deposition and a high altitude above sea level.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2223-7747
Relation: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/5/977; https://doaj.org/toc/2223-7747
DOI: 10.3390/plants12050977
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/bc0976eec9de499db908112b06522ccc
Accession Number: edsdoj.bc0976eec9de499db908112b06522ccc
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:22237747
DOI:10.3390/plants12050977
Published in:Plants
Language:English