Microplastic particles detected in clouds.

Researchers in Japan recently confirmed the presence of microplastics in clouds, shortly after microplastic particles were detected in the bodies of fish in the deepest parts of the ocean and scattered in Arctic ice.

According to the report, the research team stated that each water sample collected from the fog on Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama, west of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, could contain between 6 and 14 pieces of plastic. When these particles reach the atmosphere and are exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, they decompose, contributing to the production of greenhouse gases.

To date, very little is known about the impact that microplastics may have, but these may include impacts on the climate.

Accordingly, microplastic particles can act as "seeds" that cause surrounding cloud droplets to condense into raindrops, thus increasing cloud cover and total rainfall.

Researchers say that microplastic particles in clouds fall to the ground as rainwater and can then enter the human body through agricultural products and livestock, negatively impacting human health.

Hiroshi Okochi of Waseda University, the lead author of the study, warned that if the problem is not addressed proactively, the risks of climate change could become a reality with irreversible impacts, according to AFP.

Minh Hoa (compiled from Thanh Nien and VNA)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/phat-hien-hat-vi-nhua-trong-may-a628784.html