2026-11-06 ブルックヘブン国立研究所（BNL）
Microplastics sampling instrument mounted on the UAS.
＜関連情報＞
無人航空機システムによる大気中のマイクロプラスチックの組成と発生状況の測定 Measuring atmospheric microplastic composition and occurrence from an uncrewed aerial system
Radiance Calmer, Alessandra D’Angelo, Michael Rhodes, Dale Lawrence & Gijs de Boer
Scientific Reports Published:06 October 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-74287-9 Early provide
Abstract
Airborne microplastic (MP) particles are transported through the atmosphere, yet direct measurements at altitude remain scarce. We developed a novel uncrewed aerial system (UAS)-based method for in situ MP sampling within and above the atmospheric boundary layer. In this proof-of-concept study, we deployed the UAS at 80–100 m above ground level (a.g.l.) in Colorado, USA, during fall 2024, collecting particles larger than 1 µm at two sites with high anthropogenic activity using an environmental cyclone sampler. Airborne particles were isolated, counted by optical microscopy, and identified by Raman microscopy with automated spectral analysis (OpenSpecy). Spectroscopically confirmed MPs were detected at 100 m a.g.l. and represented a mean of 13.8 ± 1.8% of the blank-corrected, morphologically selected airborne-particle counts for particles in the 3–10 µm size range. Hetero-aggregates dominated the samples, consistent with traffic-related material. This proof of concept demonstrates the feasibility of UAS-based atmospheric MP sampling and establishes a framework adaptable for ocean-surface, high-altitude, and remote environment monitoring.
