Airborne Microplastic in the Atmospheric Deposition and How to Identify and Quantify the Threat: Semi-Quantitative Approach Based on Kraków Case Study

Abstract

Airborne microplastic is an emerging and widespread pollutant yet is still under-characterised and insufficiently understood. Detailed description of microplastic air pollution is crucial as it has been identified in human lungs and remote locations, highlighting the atmosphere as a medium of MP dispersion and transportation. The lack of standardization of methods for measuring and further monitoring of microplastic pollution is an obstacle towards assessment of health risks. Since the first recognition of MP presence in the atmosphere of Krakow in 2019, this research was conducted to further characterise and develop the methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of airborne microplastic (attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR); pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS); scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy SEM-EDS) and pre-treatment of samples. The data were gathered in seven cycles from June 2019 to February 2020. The methods used in the study allowed the identification and analysis of the changing ratio of the different types of synthetic polymers identified in the atmospheric fallout (low-density polyethylene, nylon-66, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyurethane). Observations of interactions between microplastic particles and the environment were conducted with analyses of surface changes due to degradation. Different phases attached to the microplastics surfaces, with some of the inorganic contaminants transported on these surfaces determined also to be of anthropogenic origin. The methodology proposed in this study allows further characterisation of microplastic from multiple locations to provide highly comparable data, leading to identification of the sources of this phenomenon, as well as seasonal changes.

Microplastic in the Soil Environment – Classification and Sources in Relation to Research Conducted in Poland

“…It can be assumed that the sources of soil contamination with microplastics are comparable to those considered when assessing other environments (e.g., water). Jarosz et al (2022) points out that microplastics tend to aggregate in soils, waters and sediments, which confirms the assumption (Jarosz et al 2022, 11).…”

Into the Nanograms─Sensitive Detection of Microplastics in Passively Sampled Indoor Air Using F-Splitless Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

“…In the direct analysis of MPs in PM filters by Py-GC/MS. small-organic molecules must be addressed; whether by digestion, solvent or acid treatment or thermal extraction. , Studies have shown the utility of thermal extraction clean-up in diverse matrices such as sand, biosolids, rice and blood. − …”

“…Most of the pyrolysis articles described studies that measured microplastics in matrixes other than air. Only 9 journal articles reported studies using Py-GC/MS to analyze microplastics in air (or airborne) or in the atmosphere. ,,− More reliable data comparisons should be possible in the future as Py-GC/MS air studies are expected to increase in frequency and reflect past knowledge of mass, morphology, collection, preparation, and measurement methods, as well as the environmental impact of microplastics.…”

Atmospheric microplastics: exposure, toxicity, and detrimental health effects

“…This last form of classication represents the primary means to quantify MPs and also facilitates subsequent analysis since a part of these microparticles is identied, and the others are evaluated based on similarities. 7 Another way to classify MPs is according to their origin: "primary" and "secondary" MPs. 8 Those MPs that are synthesized at the micrometric scale for multiple applications (such as components of personal care and cleaning products) are called primary MPs.…”

“…This last form of classification represents the primary means to quantify MPs and also facilitates subsequent analysis since a part of these microparticles is identified, and the others are evaluated based on similarities. 7…”