Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) have been consistently captured within air samples on a global scale. Locations with high human activity are reported to have high MP levels. An urban sampling site in the Humber region (U.K.) has been sampled over a 13-month period, providing a seasonal variation profile of MP levels, size, shape, and polymer types that humans are exposed to. Mean MP levels, measured using passive fallout into a container, were 3055 ± 5072 MP m−2 day−1 (1164 median). An increase in levels with a decrease in MP size was observed, consisting of mainly film-shaped MPs (67%) that were polyethylene (31%) and nylon (28%) polymer types. No relationship between rainfall and MP fallout levels was observed. In parallel, MPs within five urbanised locations relevant to human exposure were characterised over a 2-week period. An overall MP mean (and standard deviation) of 1500 ± 1279 was observed (1012 median), from which petroleum resin accounted for 32% of MP polymer type, with a higher prevalence within industrial and roadside zones. These comprised mainly fragment (52%) and film (42%) shapes, and the MPs levels increased with decreasing particle size. The results provide novel information on characterising polymer levels and types, and can inform cellular toxicity studies, investigating the consequences of human MP exposure.
Highlights
The intentional and unintentional release of plastic waste leads to accumulation within environmental compartments and allows for their global transport [1]
MPs have been identified within homes, offices [7], drinking water [8], salt [9], and food meant for human consumption [10]
MPs have been observed within human lung tissue samples [13]
Summary
The intentional and unintentional release of plastic waste leads to accumulation within environmental compartments and allows for their global transport [1]. Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles, smaller than 5 mm in size [2], and can be produced through primary manufacturing or via secondary degradation of larger plastic products [1]. The resulting particles have been detected within aquatic [3], terrestrial [4], and atmospheric [5]. Compartments and have been detected thousands of meters above ground level [6]. MPs have been identified within homes, offices [7], drinking water [8], salt [9], and food meant for human consumption [10]. The ubiquitous nature of MPs has emphasised unavoidable human exposure, with MP inhalation being the most recent emerging cause for concern [11,12]. MPs have been observed within human lung tissue samples [13]
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