Airborne Microplastics

The global concern over microplastics (MPs) has intensified due to its potential impacts on human and animal health. Of late, there has been growing interest in detecting MPs in diverse air matrices. These airborne MPs, propelled by atmospheric circulation, traverse vast distances, reaching even polar and remote regions, thereby exerting a profound impact on delicate ecosystems. Additionally, the occurrence of additives/co-pollutants associated with MPs has emerged as a new area of research. However, compared to other environmental media, there exists a lack of comprehensive knowledge concerning the transport and fate of airborne MPs in indoor/outdoor air matrices. This chapter aims to provide a holistic perspective on airborne MPs, encompassing a systematic exploration of their sources, characteristics, transport dynamics, pollutant sorption mechanisms, sampling methodologies, analytical approaches, and associated health concerns.