Airborne microplastic contamination across diverse university indoor environments: A comprehensive ambient analysis

Air Quality Atmosphere & Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(9), P. 1851 - 1866

Published: March 20, 2024

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) have become a growing concern in the context of environmental pollution, with an increasing focus on their presence indoor environments, including university facilities. This study investigates and characteristics MPs different environments. Initial examination ambient involved physical characterization through optical microscopy, focusing classifying by shape color. Various types MPs, fibers, fragments, pellets, foams, films, lines, were identified, most common colors being black, red, blue, brown. Fragments predominant type found, although accurately quantifying numbers proved challenging due to dense sample content. These displayed rough irregular margins suggestive abrasion. Subsequent chemical elemental was conducted using micro-Raman SEM-EDX, revealing 25 PA 66, PTFE, PP, HDPE, PE. The indicates that inhabitants are exposed airborne (≥ 2.5–336.89 μm) at inhalation rates 13.88–18.51 MPs/m 3 180–240 daily. exhibited significant variations size, distribution varied among environments studied. SEM-EDX analysis revealed elements identified C, O, F, Na, Cl, Al, Si, others consistently detected. research is first comprehensively analyze nine active sampling. Identifying reducing MP contamination these facilities might stimulate more awareness, promote extensive scientific investigation, facilitate development informed policies.

Language: Английский

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Microplastics in indoor deposition samples in university classrooms

Discover Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: March 18, 2024

Abstract The pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) is a growing concern on global scale, especially considering the significant proportion of time that individuals spend indoors. contamination in question has potential to directly impact human population through exposure indoor dust and air. This research undertook comprehensive analysis deposition MPs university classrooms, employing various investigative tools. present study aimed comprehensively analyze physical chemical properties found classrooms. Analyzing samples under stereomicroscope, predominant were identified as fibers varied colors, mainly attributed clothing. Sizes these significantly across different with general average size range 120–2222 µm. observed morphological changes MPs, including cracks grooves, hint at degradation into nanosized plastics over time. observation raises concerns about increased concentrations nanoplastics environments. Using µRaman analysis, eleven types identified, potentially originating from clothing, shoes, stationery. majority polyamide 6, polypropylene, 12. scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) technique unveiled elemental composition carbon, fluorine, oxygen being dominant. findings align past studies but highlight need understand MPs' structural components any possible contaminants. Compared existing literature, this adopts methodological approach combining optical microscopy, µRaman, SEM–EDX, enriching knowledge MP aiding future directions.

Language: Английский

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Evaluation of potentially toxic elements and microplastics in the water treatment facility

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 196(5)

Published: April 25, 2024

Abstract The potentially harmful effects of consuming toxic elements (PTEs) and microplastics (MPs) regularly via drinking water are a significant cause for worry. This study investigated PTEs (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pd, Zn, Co), MPs, turbidity, pH, conductivity, health risk assessment in the treatment plant Kielce, Poland. Zn had highest concentrations throughout facility, whereas Cd, Pb, Co lower (< 0.1 µg/L). order among specified was like Zn˃Cu˃Ni˃Cr˃Cd˃Pb Co. minimum turbidity 0.34, maximum 1.9 NTU. range pH samples 6.51—7.47. conductivity 1,203—1,445 ms samples. These identified MPs were categorized into fiber fragments. color these blue, red, black, green, transparent. size 196 4,018 µm, while average 2,751 ± 1,905 µm. concentration per liter 108.88 55.61. listed C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti. Fe predominant seen using EDX. HQ values less than one adults children. human associated with all detected revealed that exhibit satisfactory degree non-carcinogenic adverse risk. HI children age groups one. In most samples, carcinogenic value exceeds threshold 10 −6 . MP should be periodically monitored to minimize consumers' environmental pollution risks.

Language: Английский

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Unravelling the microplastic contamination: A comprehensive analysis of microplastics in indoor house dust

Indoor and Built Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(8), P. 1519 - 1541

Published: April 17, 2024

Microplastics (MPs), measuring less than 5 mm, have been causing environmental concerns in aquatic ecosystems, and work has done indoor environments, where humans spend most of their lives. This finding revealed a diverse range MPs within house dust samples. These encompassed fibres, fragments, foams, pellets films. Due to the ubiquity textile-based items, fibres are common MP. The different colours like black, red, blue, yellow, white brown. study there were substantial differences MP sizes across households. average size was 178.87–3713.99 µm. One hundred eighteen particles identified as MPs. 22 types MPs, shedding light on these materials’ extensive sources applications everyday household items. environments raise about potential human exposure underscore need for further research into health implications. found samples low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene polystyrene. Carbon, nitrogen, fluorine, sodium, sulphur, potassium, calcium, zinc, oxygen magnesium elements all Compared with active sampling, slightly more

Language: Английский

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A comprehensive characterization of indoor ambient microplastics in households during the COVID-19 pandemic

Air Quality Atmosphere & Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(9), P. 2017 - 2033

Published: April 2, 2024

Abstract Airborne microplastics (MPs) can be easily inhaled by humans, impacting their health as they spend more than 80% of time indoors, especially during the pandemic. Only a few research studies have examined indoor MPs in micrometer size range using active sampling, and mainly concentrated on that are millimeters size. This study investigated composition airborne sampling seven houses city center northwestern Turkey (Eskişehir) COVID-19 The visual identification showed presence different colored MPs, white, red, orange, green, yellow, with shapes (fibers, fragments, films, lines, foam, pellets). identified was between 2.5 327.36 μm. polymeric analysis 123 all samples 22 compositions. Residents these exposed to inhalation estimates ranging from 12.03 18.51 MPs/m 3 . However, it also estimated humans inhale 156–240 daily houses. dominant were polyamide 6, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, ethylene propylene, polystyrene, high-density polyethylene. Scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive x-ray elemental revealed common structural elements, additives, or vectors added adsorbed like carbon, oxygen, fluorine, magnesium, silicon, chlorine, nitrogen, aluminum. These environments prone MP pollution. Still, level varies due characteristics environments, activities number occupants/people space, etc. smaller highlight necessity for standardized techniques collection.

Language: Английский

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Delving into river health: unveiling microplastic intrusion and heavy metal contamination in freshwater

Discover Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: June 6, 2024

Abstract The persistent use of plastics in chemical and industrial procedures has resulted the contamination environment human health via microplastics (MPs). This study investigates heavy metals, MP, pH, conductivity, turbidity levels Nida River Poland. exhibited existence diverse coloured MPs several physical forms, including fibres, fragments, pellets, foams. Differences number were noted at five selected locations, with values ranging from 215 to 280 per litre. mean observed was 245 ± 21 water samples using a scanning electron microscope indicates various MPs. morphological these revealed patterns degradation. energy-dispersive X-ray examination elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, phosphorus, others. fluctuations its metal content. average zinc concentration all 96.86 40.25 μg/L, which highest. It followed by Pb 37.6 31.9 μg/L concentration. measurement recorded 46.38 22.54, pH level 7.078 0.33, conductivity value determined be 1338.8 39.64. HQ HI for adults children age groups less than one. carcinogenic excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) exceeds threshold most samples. aims fill existing gap understanding precise metals freshwater sources Health evaluations are first step developing pollution management, control, quality standards. Graphical

Language: Английский

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The Abundance of Microplastics in the World’s Oceans: A Systematic Review

Oceans, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 5(3), P. 398 - 428

Published: June 21, 2024

Microplastics are ubiquitous in marine environments and have been documented across all ocean compartments, especially surface waters, the world. Even though several studies identify presence of microplastics world’s five oceans, there remains an overt problem large inconsistencies their sampling, extraction, consequent quantification. Despite complexity these methodologies, researchers tried to explore microplastic abundance waters. Using a systematic review approach, dataset was derived from 73 primary undertaken since year 2010 following Oslo Paris Conventions (OSPAR) guidelines monitor harmonise debris. The results showed differences distribution waters oceans. overall concentration oceans ranged between 0.002 62.50 items/m3, with mean 2.76 items/m3. highest found Atlantic (4.98 items/m3), while least observed Southern Ocean (0.04 items/m3). While challenging, this paper recommends harmonisation separation, identification methods globe aid design appropriate mitigation strategies for reducing plastic pollution.

Language: Английский

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Soil contamination with microplastics (MPs) from treated wastewater and sewage sludge: risks and sustainable mitigation strategies

Discover Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: Aug. 8, 2024

Abstract This review explores the hidden hazards associated with reuse of treated wastewater and sewage sludge in agriculture while proposing mitigation strategies. It examines origins pathways microplastics (MPs) treatment plants how these pollutants infiltrate agricultural ecosystems. The assesses effectiveness MP removal from its fate soil after reuse, highlighting contamination dynamics need for proactive measures. Introducing remediation methods is crucial addressing this issue. Alarming evidence MPs human blood, testis, semen, placenta underscores urgency solutions, revealing significant threats to health, particularly reproductive health. advocates sustainable practices effective strategies mitigate contamination, promoting environmental preservation, food safety, health protection. Graphical

Language: Английский

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Quantification of Microplastics and Phthalate Esters in Nasal Lavage Fluid of Hospital Employees after Face Mask Use

Water Air & Soil Pollution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 236(2)

Published: Jan. 23, 2025

Language: Английский

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Plastics underground: microplastic pollution in South African freshwater caves and associated biota

Hydrobiologia, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 27, 2025

Language: Английский

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