Equivalent of 3 million plastic bottles per year found in Auckland's atmosphere

Seventy-four metric tonnes of microplastics have been found in Auckland's atmosphere, the equivalent of three million plastic bottles per year, researchers say.

The University of Auckland research, published in Environmental Science & Technology, found the microplastics were of such small sizes that there was concern they could be inhaled and accumulate in the human body.

Nanoplastics, the smallest particles, can potentially enter cells, cross the blood-brain barrier, and may build up in organs such as the testicles, liver and brain. Plastics have also been detected in the placenta.