Biogeochemical Proxy Approaches to Understanding the Atmospheric Dynamics of Microplastics: Perspective and MP-GeoProxy Database

作者：Sajjad Abbasi, Neda Hashemi, Christine Groot Zwaaftink, Nikolaos Evangeliou, Nick Middleton, Philip K. Hopke, Jeroen E. Sonke · 发表于：Environmental Science & Technology · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1021/acs.est.5c18393 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Microplastics and Plastic Pollution、biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties、Microbial Applications in Construction Materials

Despite growing evidence for atmospheric transport of microplastics (MPs), there is no established framework for using co-occurring biogeochemical particulate signals to constrain MP source identification and atmospheric processing. We present a decision-gated, multiproxy framework that combines direct MP observations and atmospheric transport modeling with contextual particulate indicators. Geochemical and mineralogical tracers, sea-spray markers, carbonaceous combustion signals, and biological/biogenic indicators are treated as probabilistic constraints, and inference relies on convergence across independent evidence lines rather than any single source tag. The roadmap specifies minimum data requirements (quality assurance/quality control, core MP metrics, and transport-constraint adequacy) and formal gates for proxy availability and transport-proxy consistency; when criteria are unmet, confidence is downgraded, and decoupling is reported rather than forcing attribution. We outline a field-applicable tracer suite and practical sampling and integration steps to support uncertainty-aware inference under realistic analytical budgets. Finally, we introduce the open MP-GeoProxy database linking MP observations, proxy data, and standardized metadata to enable end-member development, cross-study synthesis, and community-driven expansion as the field advances. Used conservatively, the framework can narrow plausible source regimes, identify conditions where proxies and MPs decouple,...