Dr. Natascha Schmidt studies microplastics since nearly ten years, with a more recent focus on AMPs. She has a background in biology (Ulm University, Germany), followed by a master’s degree in oceanography and a PhD in environmental chemistry (Aix-Marseille University, France). Since 2023 Dr. Schmidt works at the climate and environmental research institute NILU in Tromsø, Norway.
Atmospheric Microplastic in the Arctic and Mainland Norway; occurrence, composition and sources
Martedì 14 ottobre 2025 - Ore 11:00 - Aula 31
Dott.ssa Natascha Schmidt - Department of Environmental Chemistry and Health Effects NILU, Tromsø, Norway
Seminario
The seminar presents the parallel assessment of suspended and deposited atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) across urban and remote sites in Norway, using pyrolysis-GC/MS analysis. Microplastics were detected in nearly all samples, with significant contrasts between urban and remote environments. In Oslo, AMPs were up to 100 times more abundant than at the Arctic background station. Tire wear particles (TWP) dominated in urban areas, contributing over 90% of AMP mass and showing pronounced seasonal peaks. Remote sites such as Birkenes and Zeppelin exhibited lower but consistent AMP levels, reflecting long-range atmospheric transport from continental Europe. These findings establish AMPs as significant, yet often overlooked, components of urban air pollution and long-range contaminant transport, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring and mitigation strategies.
