Air samples were collected during an expedition of the research vessel Heincke in 2021. The data reveals the amount of different types of plastic in the ocean air. Analyses showed that microplastic particles from polyester and other plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate and polystyrene were present in all samples. The most common sources of these particles include textile fibres and tyre wear from cars. The concentration of microplastics in the air reached up to 37.5 nanograms per cubic metre.
Species diversity in rivers stagnates
Invertebrates such as flying insects play a key role in the freshwater ecosystem: they filter water, transport nutrients and break down organic material. These abilities have long made them an indicator of water quality. In a long-term study, an international team of researchers has investigated how species diversity has developed in European rivers.