Particles
Particulate pollution consists of particles suspended in some environmental compartment. These particles differ in origins and sizes. Particulate pollution can be derived from either natural or anthropogenic sources. For example, in air, particulate pollution – or particulate matter (PM) - can be divided in two groups: primary particles, which are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites or fires, and secondary particles, which are emitted after atmospheric reactions involving chemicals that are emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.
Particle pollution in air, and particularly fine particles (diameter < 2.5 µm), can have an impact on human health. Another type of particulate pollution that affects all environmental compartments, is micro- and nano-plastics. These ones come from many sources such as degradation of larger plastic pieces and cosmetics products (exfoliants). Micro- and nano-plastics can affect aquatic organisms and human health.