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RETRACTED ARTICLE: An in-depth study of dust samples reveals microplastic (MP) contamination in indoor commercial markets
Summary
Researchers analyzed dust samples from indoor commercial markets and found 105 microplastic particles across 17 different plastic categories, including polyethylene, PVC, and acrylonitrile butadiene. The microplastics came from sources like paints, cosmetics, plastic products, and textiles, and contained potentially toxic elements like aluminum, iron, and zinc. Note: this article has been retracted, but the finding that indoor market environments contain diverse microplastics from everyday products reflects a broader pattern seen in other indoor air quality studies.
Abstract Environmental research on marine and terrestrial microplastics (MPs) is widespread compared to indoor MP dynamics. This study analysed indoor dust samples from markets for MP identification, adding to indoor MP pollution studies. The physical characterisation of these samples involved stereomicroscopy, revealing a wide range of MPs, including fibres, fragments, and pellets of various colours, such as black, brown, blue, red, and yellow. The average size of identified MPs was 143.26–4168.6 µm. Under micro-Raman, 120 particles were examined, and 105 MPs were revealed. MPs were categorised into 17 categories: acrylonitrile butadiene, polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and others. These MPs were associated with various indoor sources, such as paints, cosmetics, plastic items, and textiles. The distribution of detected MPs differed between the various indoor market dust samples. SEM–EDX evaluation further showed the elemental composition of the MPs, including common elements like carbon–oxygen and elements associated with additives or environmental contamination, such as silicon, aluminium, iron, sodium, fluorine, and zinc. The presence of these elements suggests diverse sources and potential toxicities of the identified MPs. The findings support indoor dust studies and illuminate marketplace MPs. Due to higher concentrations and sources, widespread indoor MPs may enhance health concerns.