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Suspended airborne microplastics studies in Asia
Summary
Researchers reviewed the sources, distribution characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastics in global marine environments, summarizing how industrial discharge, domestic sewage, and maritime operations introduce MPs that then redistribute via ocean currents to affect ecosystems worldwide. Marine microplastics pose escalating risks to food webs—including filter feeders consumed by humans—making their tracking and reduction a global environmental priority.
Microplastics are contaminating air, water, soils, both in populated megacities and in remote areas. Here we review analytical methodologies and occurrence of suspended airborne microplastics in Asia. Forty-three studies on suspended airborne microplastics were examined in thirteen countries across Asia. Abundance of suspended airborne microplastics ranged from 0.93 to 8,865 particles/m3 in indoor locations, 0.017 to 18,880 particles/m3 in outdoor areas, and 0.39 to 19 particles per 100 m3 in the oceanic environment. Suspended airborne microplastics mostly had the shape of fibers and fragments. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene polymers were commonly found. The size of plastic particles ranged from 0.43 to 9,555 µm, and the strategies used in sampling and analytical methods can influence the size of suspended airborne microplastics. Occurrence of suspended airborne microplastics in Asia demonstrates a critical pollution issue in the region.