Story perspectives

Pandemic Waste Triples Airborne Microplastics in Xi’an

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In Xi’an, China, airborne microplastic levels tripled during the study, rising after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fobang Liu of Xi’an Jiaotong University led air-filter analyses that found polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate fibers likely from discarded masks and synthetic clothing.
The study links the rise to pandemic-related waste and notes a shift in microplastic types.
To reduce airborne microplastics, researchers urge better waste management and more reusable masks, plus long-term monitoring.

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Story summary

In Xi’an, China, airborne microplastic levels tripled during the study, rising after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fobang Liu of Xi’an Jiaotong University led air-filter analyses that found polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate fibers likely from discarded masks and synthetic clothing.
The study links the rise to pandemic-related waste and notes a shift in microplastic types.
To reduce airborne microplastics, researchers urge better waste management and more reusable masks, plus long-term monitoring.