We already heard the news about microplastics showing up in the ocean, and in ocean creatures. Now it appears the microplastic fibers also fall from the sky.
They are light enough to be borne long distances by wind, and rain helps deposit them upon the Earth's surface. Research from Utah State University shows perhaps 1000 tons of microplastics falling onto Western lands every year.
Janice Brahney, Assistant Professor of Watershed Sciences at USU, led the research. She visits with details, along with co-author Maura Hahnenberger, who teaches at Salt Lake Community College.