Microplastics in the urban atmosphere: Sources, occurrences, distribution, and potential health implications

Abstract

Urbanization itself is a major and furthermost imperative contributor to the release of microplastics into the environments. As cities grow and develop, more plastic products are consumed and discarded, resulting in increased plastic pollution levels. Although researches on airborne microplastics (AMPs) in urban regions are scare, recent findings have shown high concentration of them in the air of residential areas. Textiles are the main source of airborne microplastics in indoor ambiance, while traffic-related plastic particles, textiles and agricultural and marine airborne microplastics appear to be responsible for polluting cities’ outdoor atmosphere. Local metrological situation, urban topography and physical features of plastic particles control the behavior, distribution and fate of airborne microplastics. Inhalation is the primary exposure route to airborne plastic particles and may induce toxicity in respiratory tract. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their impact on human health and environment. Current work reviews the published literature on airborne microplastics in urban settings aiming at characterizing microplastics parent's materials, potential sources in both indoor and outdoor spaces, distribution and possible health impacts along with some further suggestions.