We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characteristics, Distribution, and Sources of Atmospheric Microplastics in Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This scoping review examined airborne microplastics in Southeast Asia, finding high concentrations in cities across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Common types included polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester fibers linked to textile manufacturing and vehicle tire wear. The review highlights that we are not just eating and drinking microplastics — we are breathing them in too, and more research is needed on the long-term health effects of this exposure.
This scoping review examines the distribution, sources, and characterization of atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) in Southeast Asia (SEA), following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A comprehensive search of Scopus and PubMed identified 58 relevant articles, with 16 meeting the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate high microplastic (MP) concentrations in urban centres, notably in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, a pattern driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial emissions, textile production, and insufficient waste management. Predominant polymer types include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET), with fibres and black particles being the most common forms. Black particles, often linked to tire wear and vehicular emissions, underscore traffic pollution’s role in AMP distribution, while PET fibres reflect the influence of SEA’s textile industry. Geographic gaps were observed, with limited studies in countries such as Cambodia and Laos. The review highlights the need for standardised sampling and quantification methods to ensure data comparability and calls for expanded research into rural and coastal regions. Future studies should prioritise longitudinal investigations into the effects of chronic exposure on health; this is particularly relevant for nanoplastics (NPs) because of their greater potential for biological penetration. These insights form a crucial foundation for mitigating AMP pollution in SEA.
More Papers Like This
The Peril of Plastics: Atmospheric Microplastics in Outdoor, Indoor, and Remote Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This review surveys the current state of knowledge about microplastics suspended in the atmosphere, covering outdoor, indoor, and remote environments. Researchers found that airborne microplastics are far more widespread than previously recognized, with fibers from textiles and vehicle tire wear being major sources. The study highlights that atmospheric transport can carry microplastics to even the most remote locations on Earth, and that inhaling these particles poses potential health concerns.
Airborne microplastics in the roadside and residential areas of Southern Thailand
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed airborne microplastic contamination in roadside and residential areas across nine districts in southern Thailand. They found microplastic concentrations ranging from 0.09 to 1.54 particles per cubic meter, with particles smaller than 100 micrometers predominating in all samples. The study identified fragments and black-colored particles as the most common types, with polymer analysis revealing a diverse mix of plastic materials in the air.
Microplastics in the urban atmosphere: Sources, occurrences, distribution, and potential health implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes research on airborne microplastics in cities, finding that indoor sources like textiles and outdoor sources like traffic-related plastic particles are major contributors. Microplastic concentrations in urban air can be significant, especially in densely populated areas, and people can inhale these particles daily. The health implications of breathing in microplastics are still being studied, but early evidence suggests they may cause lung inflammation and other respiratory problems.
Preliminary assessment of airborne microplastics: a case study of Bandung City, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found tiny plastic particles floating in the air of Bandung, Indonesia, mostly tiny fragments of polyethylene (a common plastic). Since these particles are small enough to be breathed in, and their shape affects how deep they travel into our lungs, this research helps scientists better understand the potential health risks of breathing city air in fast-growing tropical urban areas.
Atmospheric Microplastic Particulate Matter in an Urban Roadside: Case of Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled airborne microplastics at four locations across Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia, including industrial zones, residential neighborhoods, busy roads, and the city center. They found microplastic concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.02 particles per cubic meter of air, with fibrous shapes and PET plastic most common. Industrial areas had the highest total particulate levels, and northern parts of the city appear to be a likely source of airborne microplastics carried by traffic. This study adds to growing evidence that city dwellers are breathing in microplastics simply from the air around them.
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.