♻️ap environmental science review

Particulates

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Particulates refer to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. They can come from natural sources like dust or wildfires, but also from human activities such as industrial emissions or vehicle exhaust.

"Particulates" also found in: