Particle Transport
Research Area · Particle Transport
Particle Transport
Studying how turbulence governs the atmospheric dispersion of microplastics and other fine particles.
Dispersion, transport, and ecotoxicological risks of microplastics have over the last two decades focused mainly on the marine environment. While water is an effective transport mechanism, air currents distribute atmospheric particles very quickly — making the atmospheric pathway for plastic pollution an increasingly urgent research area.
Beyond characterising small plastic contaminants such as microfibers in still air, the inclusion of turbulence effects is essential to accurately predict particle behaviour and transport.
Hanson’s laboratory conducts physical experiments to provide modelling input for the transport dynamics of microplastics, advancing our understanding of how plastic pollution spreads through the atmosphere.
Key Focus Areas
Microplastic Dispersion
Experimental study of how turbulence controls the spread and settling of microplastic particles in air.
Atmospheric Pathway
Air currents rapidly distribute particles — a critical and underexplored transport mechanism.
Modelling Input
Lab experiments provide validated data to improve predictive models of atmospheric transport.
Interested in this research?
Students and collaborators are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Hanson directly.