An unexpected discovery in the clouds surprises scientists
ArabiaWeather - A new study has proven that clouds may contain small particles of plastic, and these particles can lead to what is known as “plastic rain.” This discovery greatly alarms scientists, who believe that these tiny particles of plastic, also known as “microplastics” , may cause pollution to the water and the environment that cannot be ignored.
Microplastics are a global environmental problem that results from the breakdown of large plastics into small particles; Due to decomposition, these particles spread in the environment, and represent a threat to marine organisms and the environment in general. It is known that they affect marine organisms, and the oceans are filled with them, but this time they affected the clouds, so what is their effect?
How do plastic particles affect clouds?
Answer: The new study conducted by Waseda University in Japan suggests that microplastic particles may reach the clouds and be part of their composition. This means that they may cause “plastic rainfall,” where these plastic particles can fall with rain to the ground.
As part of this study, scientists analyzed cloud water collected from various regions in Japan, including the summit of Mount Fuji and its southeastern slopes, at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 3,776 meters above sea level. The team used advanced imaging techniques to detect the presence of microplastics. Airborne AMP (AMP) in these cloud waters, and they examined the physical and chemical properties of these molecules.
The team found that there were nine different types of polymers and one type of rubber in these airborne particles, and the researchers noted that the analysis indicates that these airborne microplastics found in cloud waters originated primarily from the ocean, meaning they may have become An essential part of cloud formation, they represent a risk to water sources and the environment in general, and can cause plastic rain, affecting almost what we eat and drink.
What is the impact of plastics detected in clouds on the environment?
Answer: Scientists are very concerned about this discovery, as they believe that these microplastic particles can pollute water sources, and affect the terrestrial and marine environment to a great extent. In addition, these particles can cause pollution of groundwater and surface water, which can It affects human health.
In addition, researchers have warned that the accumulation of microplastics in the atmosphere, especially in the polar regions, could lead to major changes in the planet's ecological balance and threaten biodiversity. Dr. Okochi said:
“Airborne microplastics decompose much faster in the upper atmosphere than on Earth due to strong ultraviolet radiation, and this decomposition releases greenhouse gases and contributes to global warming.”
He explained: Based on this study, its results can be used to estimate the impact of microplastics on the future of climate change and its effects.
The study's lead author, Hiroshi Okoshi, said in a statement on Wednesday
“If we do not proactively address the problem of plastic air pollution, changes in climate and environmental risks could become a reality, causing serious and irreversible environmental damage in the future.”
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