4) compared to the upper 75th percentile (MP > 0.33 MP/m3, 343 km). Backward modelling of samples with MP < 0.33 MP/m3 travelled an average of 4992 km (±1097 km), 1660 km further than samples with MP < 0.33 MP/m3. Models were run for 168 h in backwards mode for higher microplastic (MP) sample periods (MP > 0.33 MP/m3; A2, A8, A14 and A15) (b, d, f, h) and the lower MP sample periods (a, c, e, g). Samples with a higher MP quantity (MP > 0.33 MP/m3) show a greater proportion of trajectories over the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Africa (52%) compared to lower MP samples (MP < 0.33 MP/m3) (21%) (Fig. 3c, d), elevated MP samples were found to have a greater number of trajectory points below 500 m ASL over the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa compared to lower MP samples (MP > 0.33 MP/m3 = 73%, MP > 0.33 MP/m3 = 55%).

Source: The North Africa Journal December 21, 2021 16:54 UTC