Airborne microplastics: Occurrence, sources, fate, risks and mitigation

Zhao, Xinran; Zhou, Yadong; Liang, Chenzhe; Song, Jianchen; Yu, Siyun; Liao, Gengxuan; Zou, Peiyan; Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel; Wu, Chenmiao

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159943

Cited by 77 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 124 publications

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“…Plastics have the desirable properties of good stability, flexibility, corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and versatility, making them indispensable in construction, manufacturing, agricultural production, and daily life [1]. Due to the increasing demand for plastics in various economic sectors, the global annual output of plastics has increased from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to 348 million metric tons in 2019 [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A review estimated that 26,042, 21,249, and 13,660 metric tons of microplastics had entered agricultural soil due to biosolids application in the United States, China, and Canada, respectively [26]. A proportion of microplastics in soil is contributed by the settlement of airborne microplastics [1]. It was reported that atmospheric deposition is an important pathway for the entry of microplastics into the soil environment [1,29].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A proportion of microplastics in soil is contributed by the settlement of airborne microplastics [1]. It was reported that atmospheric deposition is an important pathway for the entry of microplastics into the soil environment [1,29]. Improper disposal of plastic waste also constitutes a source of microplastics in soil, where degradation of the plastic waste releases microscale plastic pieces [30].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in the Soil of a Higher Education Institution in China

Tang

Luo

2023

Trop. Aqua. Soil Pollut.

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While microplastics have been detected in various spheres of the environment, there are few studies examining their abundance in higher education institutions, where their exposure to students and staff could raise concern. This study aims to quantify and characterise the microplastics in the soil of a higher education institution in China. Surface soil samples were collected in triplicate from nine sampling sites distributed evenly across teaching, recreational, and residential areas on campus. The soil samples were sieved with a 5 mm screen, and the fractions passing through the sieve were digested with 30% hydrogen peroxide. Microplastics were density-separated from the digested soil and observed under the microscope. ATR-FTIR was used to determine their compositions. This study reveals a higher abundance of microplastics in teaching and residential areas (150–700 items/kg and 50–650 items/kg, respectively) as compared to recreational areas (0–450 items/kg), with the highest mean abundance (516.7 items/kg) recorded for residential areas. Fibrous and fragment microplastics (31.5% and 33.3%, respectively) were most common in the soil samples, with the former more prevalent in residential areas. There were more black microplastics (36.4%) and white microplastics (29.1%) than those of other colors. Microplastics £ 0.5 mm constituted the largest fraction (64.3%) of total microplastics recovered and polyethylene microplastics were most abundant (35.2%). This study contributes to a better understanding of microplastic pollution in the compounds of higher education institutions, which could be positively linked to the human activities within those institutions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in the Soil of a Higher Education Institution in China

Tang

Luo

2023

Trop. Aqua. Soil Pollut.

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“…[16][17][18][19][20] Notably, long-range atmospheric transport of microplastics has been conrmed by their observations in snow deposits at remote, high-altitude mountain sites. [21][22][23] Microplastics of few millimeters in size were identied as an environmental concern before smaller (micrometer and submicrometer) particles and therefore more analytical methods have been adopted for routine characterization and quantitative analysis of large microplastics, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis gas-chromatography mass spectrometry. 24,25 Because of their minute amount of analyte and varied composition, smaller microplastic particles pose many analytical challenges for their detection and characterization.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…16–20 Notably, long-range atmospheric transport of microplastics has been confirmed by their observations in snow deposits at remote, high-altitude mountain sites. 21–23…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical characterization of microplastic particles formed in airborne waste discharged from sewer pipe repairs

Peterson,

Morales,

Tomlin

et al. 2023

Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts

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Investigation of indoor microplastics in settled indoor house dust in single‐person residential buildings in Japan

Bai,

Lim,

et al. 2024

Japan Architectural Review

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Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are widely spread in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments, which is a marked environmental concern. However, research on indoor microplastic pollution remains limited, particularly in Japan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the shape and composition of microplastics in house dust from single‐person households in four regions of Japan, including Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, and Kansai. Micro‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, a technique that combines infrared spectroscopy with optical microscopy was used, allowing a detailed analysis by obtaining the specific interference patterns and absorption spectra of the materials. The influence of building structure, flooring, and wall materials on microplastic composition in indoor environments was also investigated. This study addresses crucial knowledge gaps regarding the extent, forms, and sources of indoor microplastics. These findings contribute to the development of targeted measures to mitigate indoor microplastic exposure, support efforts to improve indoor air quality, and protect public health.

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Airborne microplastics: Occurrence, sources, fate, risks and mitigation

Cited by 77 publications

References 124 publications

Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in the Soil of a Higher Education Institution in China

Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in the Soil of a Higher Education Institution in China

Chemical characterization of microplastic particles formed in airborne waste discharged from sewer pipe repairs

Investigation of indoor microplastics in settled indoor house dust in single‐person residential buildings in Japan

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