1
|
Chen Y, Meng Y, Liu G, Huang X, Chai G. Probabilistic Estimation of Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Intake in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9071-9081. [PMID: 38748887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Little research exists on the magnitude, variability, and uncertainty of human exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (AMNPs), despite their critical role in human exposure to MNPs. We probabilistically estimate the global intake of AMNPs through three main pathways: indoor inhalation, outdoor inhalation, and ingestion during indoor meals, for both children and adults. The median inhalation of AMPs is 1,207.7 (90% CI, 42.5-8.48 × 104) and 1,354.7 (90% CI, 47.4-9.55 × 104) N/capita/day for children and adults, respectively. The annual intake of AMPs is 13.18 mg/capita/a for children and 19.10 mg/capita/a for adults, which is approximately one-fifth and one-third of the mass of a standard stamp, assuming a consistent daily intake of medians. The majority of AMP number intake occurs through inhalation, while the ingestion of deposited AMPs during meals contributes the most in terms of mass. Furthermore, the median ANP intake through outdoor inhalation is 9,638.1 N/day (8.23 × 10-6 μg/d) and 5,410.6 N/day (4.62 × 10-6 μg/d) for children and adults, respectively, compared to 5.30 × 105 N/day (5.79 × 10-4 μg/d) and 6.00 × 105 N/day (6.55 × 10-4 μg/d) via indoor inhalation. Considering the increased toxicity of smaller MNPs, the significant number of ANPs inhaled warrants great attention. Collaborative efforts are imperative to further elucidate and combat the current MPN risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guangming Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Eberhard T, Casillas G, Zarus GM, Barr DB. Systematic review of microplastics and nanoplastics in indoor and outdoor air: identifying a framework and data needs for quantifying human inhalation exposures. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:185-196. [PMID: 38184724 PMCID: PMC11142917 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are likely exposed to microplastics (MPs) in a variety of places including indoor and outdoor air. Research to better understand how exposure to MPs correlates to health is growing. To fully understand the possible impacts of MPs on human health, it is necessary to quantify MP exposure and identify what critical data gaps exist. OBJECTIVES The current paper provides a human exposure assessment of microplastics in the air using systematically reviewed literature that provided concentration of MPs in air as well as doses used in toxicology studies to calculate inhalation exposure dose. METHODS All published peer-reviewed journal articles, non-published papers, and grey literature that focused on micro- or nano-plastics in indoor and outdoor air were systematically searched using PRISMA guidelines. Literature that defined specific concentrations and size of MPs in air or exposed to human lung cells, animals, or humans with measurable health impacts were included in data extraction. Inhalational exposures were calculated for different age groups using published MP concentrations from the included literature using exposure dose equations and values from U.S. ATSDR and EPA. RESULTS Calculated mean indoor inhalational exposures from passive sampling methods were higher than those calculated from active sampling methods. When comparing indoor and outdoor sampling, calculated inhalation exposures from indoor samples were greater than those from outdoor samples. Inhalation exposures of MPs differed between age groups with infants having the highest calculated dose values for all locations followed by preschool age children, middle-school aged children, pregnant women, adolescents, and non-pregnant adults. MP doses used in toxicology studies produced higher calculated mean inhalational exposures than those from environmental samples. IMPACT This study is the first known systematic review of inhalational MP exposure from indoor and outdoor air. It also provides inhalational exposures calculated from previously published environmental samples of MPs as well as from toxicology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Eberhard
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Gaston Casillas
- Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory M Zarus
- Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kannankai MP, Devipriya SP. Atmospheric microplastic deposition in a coastal city of India: The influence of a landfill source on monsoon winds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168235. [PMID: 37923255 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Coastal zones experience various wind events that may influence the characteristics, distribution, and dynamics of atmospheric microplastic pollutants. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of the bulk atmospheric microplastic deposition in Kochi, Kerala, India, during three distinct seasons: Northeast Monsoon (NEM), Summer (SMR), and Southwest monsoon (SWM). Seasonally, the highest microplastic fallout rate was recorded for the NEM (37.29 particles m-2d-1), followed by SMR (15.17 particles m-2 d-1) and the SWM (11.57 particles m-2d-1). The microplastic abundance was not correlated to the amount of rainfall. Further, the wind rose and HYSPLIT trajectory analysis illustrated the arrival of northeast monsoon winds to the city via the region in and around the municipal landfill, which could be a major source of airborne microplastic to the sampling stations, and the forward trajectories from the landfill site extended into the Arabia Sea, providing evidence on the potential atmospheric transport and subsequent deposition of microplastics into the ocean. With respect to the qualitative characteristics, blue-coloured and fibrous microplastics dominated the samples with a considerable number of particles belonging to the size range of 200-500 μm. The practice of drying synthetic clothes under natural sunlight may have substantially contributed to the increased prevalence of airborne microfibers. The higher numbers of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) in the bulk microplastic deposition reinforce the concept of low-density polymers being more susceptible to deflation by the wind. Overall, the work signifies the role of monsoon winds in transporting microplastics from an unscientifically managed municipal landfill site and also highlights the importance of reducing the quantity of plastic waste ending up at the landfill to reduce the emission of microplastics proportionately.
Collapse
|
4
|
Rafiq A, Xu JL. Microplastics in waste management systems: A review of analytical methods, challenges and prospects. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 171:54-70. [PMID: 37647726 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported the presence of microplastics (MPs) in waste collection and disposal systems. However, current scientific studies on measuring MP occurrence in a waste management context are not comparable due to a lack of standardized methodologies. Consequently, the impact of MPs on ecosystems and human health remains largely unclear. To address the inconsistencies, present in published studies, this review thoroughly examines sample preparation techniques for transfer stations, landfill leachate, recycling, compost, and incineration ash samples. Furthermore, various analytical approaches such as flotation, filtration, and organic matter digestion, as well as morphological categorization, identification, and quantification, are subsequently rigorously assessed. The benefits and limitations of each methodology are evaluated to facilitate the development of accurate and effective methods for detecting and characterizing nanoplastics. Recent research suggests that plastic recycling and composting facilities are the primary environmental sources of microplastic pollution among different waste treatment methods. The most prevalent microplastic types discovered in waste management were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), with fragment and fiber being the most frequently reported morphologies. The review highlights a number of tactics that could be integrated into the methodology development for detecting microplastics in waste management systems (WMS), ultimately leading to better consistency and reliability of data across different studies. In essence, this will advance our comprehension of potential risks associated with microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Rafiq
- The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
| | - Jun-Li Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun X, Song R, Liu J, Yan S, Li Y, Jin X, Liang Y, Wu Y, Mei L, Pan R, Yi W, Song J, Cheng J, Su H. Characterization of airborne microplastics at different workplaces of the poly(ethylene:propylene:diene) (EPDM) rubber industry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27750-3. [PMID: 37277591 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27750-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as an emerging air pollutant have received widespread attention, but research on airborne MPs at occupational sites is still limited, especially in the rubber industry. Hence, indoor air samples were collected from three production workshops and an office of a rubber factory producing automotive parts to analyze the characteristics of airborne MPs in different workplaces of this industry. We found MP contamination in all air samples from the rubber industry, and the airborne MPs at all sites mainly showed small-sized (< 100 μm) and fragmented characteristics. The abundance and source of MPs at various locations is primarily related to the manufacturing process and raw materials of the workshop. The abundance of MPs in the air was higher in workplaces where production activities are involved than in office (360 ± 61 n/m3), of which the highest abundance of airborne MPs was in the post-processing workshop (559 ± 184 n/m3). In terms of types, a total of 40 polymer types were identified. The post-processing workshop has the largest proportion of injection-molded plastic ABS, the extrusion workshop has a greater proportion of EPDM rubber than the other locations, and the refining workshop has more MPs used as adhesives, such as aromatic hydrocarbon resin (AHCR).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoni Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jintao Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yunfeng Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Lu Mei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rubing Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weizhuo Yi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Zhao C, Ren F, Wang X, Sun X, Zou Y, Liu Y, Tian Y. Treatment of compressed leachate from refuse transfer stations by freeze-melt method. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 164:181-190. [PMID: 37059042 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
A small amount of leachate with complex composition will be produced during the compressing of municipal solid waste in refuse transfer stations. In this study, the freeze-melt method, a green and efficient wastewater treatment technology, was used to treat the compressed leachate. The effects of freezing temperature, freezing duration, and ice melting method on the removal rates of contaminants were investigated. The results showed that the freeze-melt method was not selective for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) and total phosphorus (TP). The removal rate of contaminants was positively correlated with freezing temperature and negatively correlated with freezing duration, and the slower the growth rate of ice, the higher the purity of ice. When the compressed leachate was frozen at -15 °C for 42 h, the removal rates of COD, TOC, NH3-N and TP were 60.00%, 58.40%, 56.89% and 55.34%, respectively. Contaminants trapped in ice were removed during the melting process, especially in the early stages of melting. The divided melting method was more beneficial than the natural melting method in removing contaminants during the initial stage of melting, which contributes to the reduction of produced water losses. This study provides a new idea for the treatment of small amounts of highly concentrated leachate generated by compression facilities distributed in various corners of the city.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Chen Zhao
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Fangyun Ren
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiufeng Wang
- Shandong Peninsula Water Development Co., Ltd., Yantai 265200, China
| | - Xiuping Sun
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yihong Zou
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yucan Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yepeng Tian
- Yantai University Trier College of Sustainable Technology, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
O'Brien S, Rauert C, Ribeiro F, Okoffo ED, Burrows SD, O'Brien JW, Wang X, Wright SL, Thomas KV. There's something in the air: A review of sources, prevalence and behaviour of microplastics in the atmosphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162193. [PMID: 36828069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Literature regarding microplastics in the atmosphere has advanced in recent years. However, studies have been undertaken in isolation with minimal collaboration and exploration of the relationships between air, deposition and dust. This review collates concentrations (particle count and mass-based), shape, size and polymetric characteristics for microplastics in ambient air (m3), deposition (m2/day), dust (microplastics/g) and snow (microplastics/L) from 124 peer-reviewed articles to provide a holistic overview and analysis of our current knowledge. In summary, ambient air featured concentrations between <1 to >1000 microplastics/m3 (outdoor) and <1 microplastic/m3 to 1583 ± 1181 (mean) microplastics/m3 (indoor), consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene. No difference (p > 0.05) was observed between indoor and outdoor concentrations or the minimum size of microplastics (p > 0.5). Maximum microplastic sizes were larger indoors (p < 0.05). Deposition concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 1357 microplastics/m2/day (outdoor) and 475 to 19,600 microplastics/m2/day (indoor), including polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate. Concentrations varied between indoor and outdoor deposition (p < 0.05), being more abundant indoors, potentially closer to sources/sinks. No difference was observed between the minimum or maximum reported microplastic sizes within indoor and outdoor deposition (p > 0.05). Road dust concentrations varied between 2 ± 2 and 477 microplastics/g (mean), consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene. Mean outdoor dust concentrations ranged from <1 microplastic/g (remote desert) to between 18 and 225 microplastics/g, comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polypropylene. Snow concentrations varied between 0.1 and 30,000 microplastics/L, containing polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene. Concentrations within indoor dust varied between 10 and 67,000 microplastics/g, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene. No difference was observed between indoor and outdoor concentrations (microplastics/g) or maximum size (p > 0.05). The minimum size of microplastics were smaller within outdoor dust (p > 0.05). Although comparability is hindered by differing sampling methods, analytical techniques, polymers investigated, spectral libraries and inconsistent terminology, this review provides a synopsis of knowledge to date regarding atmospheric microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Francisca Ribeiro
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, EX4 4QD, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Stephen D Burrows
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, EX4 4QD, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Stephanie L Wright
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance of Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abad López AP, Trilleras J, Arana VA, Garcia-Alzate LS, Grande-Tovar CD. Atmospheric microplastics: exposure, toxicity, and detrimental health effects. RSC Adv 2023; 13:7468-7489. [PMID: 36908531 PMCID: PMC9993231 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07098g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are micro-particulate pollutants present in all environments whose ubiquity leads humans to unavoidable exposure. Due to low density, MPs also accumulate in the atmosphere, where they are easily transported worldwide and come into direct contact with the human body by inhalation or ingestion, causing detrimental health effects. This literature review presents the sources of atmospheric MPs pollution, transport routes, physicochemical characteristics, and environmental interactions. The document also explains the implications for human health and analyzes the risk of exposure based on the potential toxicity and the concentration in the atmosphere. MPs' toxicity lies in their physical characteristics, chemical composition, environmental interactions, and degree of aging. The abundance and concentration of these microparticles are associated with nearby production sources and their displacement in the atmosphere. The above elements are presented in an integrated way to facilitate a better understanding of the associated risk. The investigation results encourage the development of future research that delves into the health implications of exposure to airborne MPs and raises awareness of the risks of current plastic pollution to promote the establishment of relevant mitigation policies and procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia Abad López
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Químicas. Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 Número 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081008 Colombia +57-5-3599-484
| | - Jorge Trilleras
- Grupo de Investigación en Compuestos Heterocíclicos, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 No 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081007 Colombia
| | - Victoria A Arana
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 No 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081007 Colombia
| | - Luz Stella Garcia-Alzate
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 No 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081007 Colombia
| | - Carlos David Grande-Tovar
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Químicas. Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 Número 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081008 Colombia +57-5-3599-484
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao X, Zhou Y, Liang C, Song J, Yu S, Liao G, Zou P, Tang KHD, Wu C. Airborne microplastics: Occurrence, sources, fate, risks and mitigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159943. [PMID: 36356750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper serves to enhance the current knowledge base of airborne microplastics which is significantly smaller than that of microplastics in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. It systematically presents the prevalence, sources, fate, risks and mitigations of airborne microplastics through the review of >140 scientific papers published mainly in the last 10 years. Unlike the extant review, it places an emphasis on the indoor microplastics, the risks of airborne microplastics on animals and plants and their mitigations. The outdoor microplastics are mostly generated by the wear and tear of tires, brake pads, waste incineration and industrial activities. They have been detected in many regions worldwide at concentrations ranging from 0.3 particles/m3 to 154,000 particles/L of air even in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Arctic. As for indoor microplastics, the reported concentrations range from 1 piece/m3 to 9900 pieces/m2/day, and are frequently higher than those of the outdoor microplastics. They come from the wear and tear of walls and ceilings, synthetic textiles and furniture finishings. Airborne microplastics could be suspended and resuspended, entrapped, settle under gravity as well as interact with chemicals, microorganisms and other microplastic particles. In the outdoors, they could also interact with sunlight and be carried by the wind over long distance. Airborne microplastics could adversely affect plants, animals and humans, leading to reduced photosynthetic rate, retarded growth, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and increased cancer risks in humans. They could be mitigated indirectly through filters attached to air-conditioning system and directly through source reduction, regulation and biodegradable substitutes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Zhao
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yupeng Zhou
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chenzhe Liang
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jianchen Song
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Siyun Yu
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Gengxuan Liao
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Peiyan Zou
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA..
| | - Chenmiao Wu
- Environmental Science Programme, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rosso B, Corami F, Barbante C, Gambaro A. Quantification and identification of airborne small microplastics (<100 μm) and other microlitter components in atmospheric aerosol via a novel elutriation and oleo-extraction method. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120889. [PMID: 36539009 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The atmosphere is a significant pathway for distributing plastic particles and other micro-litter particles from their sources to other environmental compartments. There is a big gap regarding the standardized method for the quantification and identification of airborne microplastics (MPs), especially those in the range of 5-100 μm (small microplastics, SMPs) and airborne micro-litter components (MLCs), i.e., plastic additives, natural fibers and non-plastics synthetic fibers. This study aimed to develop and optimize a pre-treatment method (i.e., elutriation, oleoextraction, and purification) to extract SMPs and MLCs simultaneously from urban aerosol samples. The quantification and simultaneous chemical characterization were performed via Micro-FTIR. The method developed was then applied to two samples from different seasons, i.e., summer and late fall - winter. Micro-litter particles followed the Poisson distribution, and the fiducial limit (confidence interval) was calculated accordingly. Non-parametric statistical tests were performed to evaluate significant differences among the samples. The most abundant plastic polymers were polyethylene (HDPE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Among MLCs, flame retardants, UV filters, stabilizers, and rayon were identified. The results of this study will contribute significantly to establishing standardized and accredited methods to quantify and identify airborne SMPs and MLCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Rosso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Carlo Barbante
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico - Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172, Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Costa-Gómez I, Suarez-Suarez M, Moreno JM, Moreno-Grau S, Negral L, Arroyo-Manzanares N, López-García I, Peñalver R. A novel application of thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry for polystyrene quantification in the PM 10 and PM 2.5 fractions of airborne microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159041. [PMID: 36174703 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have appeared as emerging pollutants due to the diverse applications of plastics in today's world. Growing evidence points to the negative impacts that airborne microplastics have on human health, as they can enter the human body through respiration. Our aim was to quantify polystyrene airborne microplastics in smaller fractions, thoracic (PM10) and alveolar (PM2.5), as they have scarcely been studied. In this work, we proposed a methodology based on thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry that requires minimal sample preparation and does not limit particle size. We applied this methodology to quantify the airborne polystyrene in PM10 and PM2.5 fractions in mass units of microplastics per m3 of air in an urban and agricultural region during the summer of 2021. The mean concentrations of polystyrene found in the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions were 2.09 and 1.81 ng m-3, respectively. Therefore, the majority of airborne polystyrene microplastics are found in the alveolar fraction which, is associated with severe cardiopulmonary and respiratory diseases. According to air mass backward trajectories, it was noted that the main sources of these emerging pollutants could be related to local agricultural practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Costa-Gómez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Technical University of Cartagena, Dr. Fleming sn, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Mariel Suarez-Suarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Technical University of Cartagena, Dr. Fleming sn, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - José María Moreno
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Technical University of Cartagena, Dr. Fleming sn, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Stella Moreno-Grau
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Technical University of Cartagena, Dr. Fleming sn, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - L Negral
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Technical University of Cartagena, Dr. Fleming sn, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Natalia Arroyo-Manzanares
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ignacio López-García
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Rosa Peñalver
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shruti VC, Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Pérez-Guevara F, Roy PD, Martínez IE. Occurrence and characteristics of atmospheric microplastics in Mexico City. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157601. [PMID: 35882345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While atmospheric microplastics have attracted scientific attention as a significant source of microplastic contamination in the environment, studies in large population centers remain sparse. Here we present the first report on the occurrence and distribution of atmospheric microplastics in Mexico City (Latin America's second most densely populated city), collected using PM10 and PM2.5 active samplers at seven monitoring stations (urban, residential, and industrial) during the dry and wet seasons of 2020. The results showed that microplastics were detected in all of the samples examined, with mean microplastic concentrations (items m-3) of 0.205 ± 0.061 and 0.110 ± 0.055 in PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. The spatial distribution of microplastics showed seasonal variation, with greater abundances in locations closer to industrial and urban centers. There was also a significant difference in microplastic concentrations in PM10 and PM2.5 between the dry and wet seasons. The mean PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 0.576, implying that microplastics were partitioned more towards PM2.5 than PM10 in Mexico City. Fibers were the most prominent shape (>75 %), and blue was the most common color (>60 %). The size characteristics indicated microplastics of varying lengths, ranging from 39 to 5000 μm, with 66 % being <500 μm. Metal contaminants such as aluminum, iron, and titanium were detected using SEM-EDX on randomly selected microplastics. The microplastics were identified as cellophane, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, and cellulose (rayon) using ATR-FTIR spectral analysis. Our findings unravel the extent and characteristics of atmospheric microplastics in the Mexico City metropolitan area, which will aid future research to better understand their fate, transport, and potential health risks, demanding more investigations and close monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V C Shruti
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Priyadarsi D Roy
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Elizalde Martínez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340 México City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|