We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Survey on the concentration and characterization of microplastics in the ambient air around the landfill and assessing the exposure of surrounding residents at different distances
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured tiny plastic particles floating in the air near a landfill in Iran and found that people living within 5 km (about 3 miles) breathe in more of these microplastics than those living farther away. The plastic bits—mostly fragments and fibers from common plastics like polypropylene and PVC—were small enough to potentially be inhaled deep into the lungs, though scientists still don't fully know what health effects this exposure causes. If you live near a landfill, this study suggests it's worth paying attention to as researchers learn more about how breathing in plastic particles might affect our health.
Airborne microplastics are increasingly recognized as an emerging environmental concern. Most microplastic monitoring research has predominantly concentrated on aquatic or terrestrial environments. However, field-scale assessments near landfill facilities remain limited. This study presents a distance-based spatial and seasonal assessment of airborne microplastics around a municipal landfill and nearby residential areas. Active air sampling combined with microscopic analysis and Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize particles within the detectable size range of the applied method. The average concentration of microplastics ranges between a minimum of 0.2 MPs/m³ and a maximum of 2.8 MPs/m³. The detected microplastics varied in size from 17.38 to 479 μm, with particles smaller than 150 μm being the most prevalent. The predominant forms of microplastics found were fragments (67.5%) and fibers (30%). The majority of these particles consisted of polymers such as Polypropylene (32.5%), Polycarbonate (10%), Polyamide (17%), and Polyvinyl chloride(19.5%). Among all the detected colors, black, transparent, and gray were identified as the most preva lent in both seasons of the year. Furthermore, Microplastic inhalation rates are higher for individuals living within 5 km of a landfill compared to those beyond this distance. This study provides the first spatial and seasonal assessment of airborne microplastics around the Shiraz landfill. Also, Our study demonstrates the presence of airborne microplastics in the vicinity of a landfill and surrounding residential areas and provides preliminary insights into potential exposure scenarios, while acknowledging the limitations in conclusively attributing all detected particles to landfill-related sources. Although nano-sized plastics were not directly quantified, the observed size distribution suggests the possible presence of sub-micron plastic fractions below the analytical detection limit.
More Papers Like This
Airborne microplastics pollution in municipal solid waste processing and disposal complex: Concentration, characterization, and composition
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated airborne microplastic pollution at the largest municipal solid waste processing and disposal complex in Iran. Using microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, they found microplastics in air samples from multiple locations throughout the facility, including processing halls, composting areas, and landfill sites. The study reveals that waste management facilities are significant sources of airborne microplastic emissions that may affect worker health and surrounding communities.
Distribution and potential health impacts of microplastics and microrubbers in air and street dusts from Asaluyeh County, Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected street dust and air samples from an industrial area in Iran and found significant quantities of microplastics and microrubber particles that could be inhaled or ingested by residents. The particles varied widely in size, color, and polymer type, with concentrations highest near industrial and urban zones. The study provides some of the first evidence that airborne microplastics in terrestrial environments represent a meaningful human exposure pathway.
Morphological and chemical analysis of indoor airborne microplastics: implications for human health in Ahvaz, Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed airborne microplastics inside homes, offices, and commercial buildings in Ahvaz, Iran, finding significant concentrations that vary by building type and season. Using Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy, they identified various polymer types and estimated annual inhaled doses based on typical occupancy patterns. The study found that people may be inhaling meaningful amounts of microplastics indoors, where they spend most of their time, posing potential respiratory and other health risks.
Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a developing country in South Asia: abundance, distribution, morphology, and possible sources
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified airborne microplastic concentrations in indoor and outdoor environments in a South Asian developing country, characterizing particle abundance, size distribution, morphology, and potential sources, finding significant microplastic air pollution in a lower-middle-income country context.
Microplastics in atmospheric dust samples of Sistan: sources and distribution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected atmospheric dust samples from residential and non-residential stations in Sistan, eastern Iran, selected according to wind direction and population density, and analyzed airborne microplastic characteristics using optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. They found that microplastic concentrations ranged from 6 to 11 particles per cubic meter, with distribution patterns reflecting both local sources and long-range wind-driven transport in this dust-prone region.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.