We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
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.
Processing and disposal facilities of municipal solid waste play a significant role in emitting pollutants. We designed this study to investigate one of the emerging environmental pollutants, airborne microplastics (MPs), in the air samples collected from various locations (pre-processing hall, office building, windrow composting area, compost refinery plant, landfill sites, incineration plant, and background) of the largest municipal solid waste processing and disposal complex (MSWPDC) in Iran. We employed a qualitative and quantitative approach using a stereo microscope and micro Raman spectroscopy to analyze the airborne MPs feature. Airborne MPs concentration ranged from 1.7 and 24.7 N/m 3 with an average (± standard deviation( of 6.54 ± 5.08 N/m 3 . The highest concentrations were found in the windrow composting area, with an average concentration of 12.4 ± 9.32 N/m 3 . Given morphologies, fibers exhibited the highest proportion, making up approximately 64% of the total. All airborne MPs had a size range between 5 and 2984 μm, mainly in the range of 100 to 500 μm. Regarding composition and color, PET/Polyester and transparent were the dominant, accounting for 26% and 32% of the total, respectively. Our findings showed a high concentration of MPs in the air of the Aradkooh MSWPDC. The findings underscore the importance of implementing stronger measures to reduce MPs emissions, as AMSWPDC could be a potential source of MPs pollution in the surrounding areas.
More Papers Like This
Airborne microplastic pollution in healthcare waste disposal systems: A cross-sectional study in Tehran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations in the air around healthcare waste disposal facilities—including autoclave and hydroclave units—in Tehran, conducting a cross-sectional sampling study. Plastic shredding during healthcare waste treatment released measurable airborne microplastic particles, identifying medical waste processing as an overlooked source of occupational and ambient microplastic exposure.
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.
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.
A Resilient In Situ Raman-Based Framework for Identifying Thermally Aged Microplastics: Validation in Waste-to-Energy Incineration
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a Raman spectroscopy framework to identify thermally aged microplastics and validated it in waste-to-energy incineration emissions, detecting atmospheric microplastics with a median particle length of 9.0 µm and highlighting incineration as an underappreciated source of airborne plastic pollution.
Study of airborne microplastics emissions in workplaces
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastic emissions in occupational settings, finding that workplaces can be significant sources of MP exposure through inhalation. The study characterized particle size, composition, and concentration of MPs in workplace air across different industrial environments.
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.