We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in the Atmospheric Deposited Dust Collected from Different Traffic Intersections in Dhaka City
Summary
Air samples collected at 15 major traffic intersections in Dhaka, Bangladesh, contained microplastics at deposition rates of up to 5.78 million particles per square meter per day, among the highest atmospheric microplastic levels reported in urban areas globally. The particles were predominantly polyethylene and nylon fibers, consistent with traffic and textile sources. This first-of-its-kind data for Dhaka highlights that residents of densely trafficked cities are inhaling substantial quantities of microplastics daily, with unknown health consequences.
Plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, known as microplastics, can infiltrate the environment from a variety of sources. This study aimed to assess the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere at fifteen major traffic intersections in the greater Dhaka city from July to August 2022.The deposition rate (DP) of MPs was calculated and the observed DPs value ranged from 1.11×106 MPs/m2/day to 5.78×106 MPs/m2/day with a portion of microplastics exhibiting fluorescence activity. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the functional groups present in microplastics. The identified polymer compositions of MPs were polyethylene (PE), Nylon-6 and natural polymers (cellulose and rubber). The current study highlights the data and knowledge gaps on the atmospheric transport of microplastics and their impact to the deterioration of overall urban air quality. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 72(2): 07-14, 2024 (July)
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Urban atmospheric microplastic distribution and potential health impact in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
This study assessed atmospheric microplastic pollution in Dhaka City's urban dust across ten major locations, finding widespread contamination dominated by fibers and fragments. Microplastic abundance was highest in areas with dense traffic and industrial activity, suggesting vehicle and garment sources as major contributors in this megacity.
Tracking of microplastics distribution patterns and their characterisation in deposited road dust from Dhaka city, Bangladesh
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in road dust across Dhaka, Bangladesh, finding thousands of particles per kilogram in samples from different road types and locations. Larger dust particles contained more microplastics, with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes, primarily made of polyethylene and polystyrene. Since road dust is kicked up into the air by traffic, these microplastics can be inhaled by pedestrians and residents, creating a direct exposure pathway for human health.
The terrible air pollution in Dhaka city is getting worse
This study documents the worsening air pollution crisis in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where rapid urbanization and vehicle emissions have pushed particulate matter levels well above safe guidelines. While not directly about microplastics, airborne microplastics are a component of urban particulate pollution, and the respiratory health risks described overlap with those from inhaling microplastic fibers. The authors call for stricter emission standards and cleaner transportation to protect public health.
Atmospheric Microplastic Pollution in Textile Industrial Areas: Source, Composition, and Health Risk Assessment
Researchers measured airborne microplastic levels inside and around textile factories in Dhaka, Bangladesh, finding that indoor deposition rates were up to 12 times higher than outdoor rates. Textile workers were estimated to inhale and ingest significant amounts of microplastic fibers made of polyester, nylon, and other synthetic materials. The study highlights that textile factory workers face substantially higher microplastic exposure than the general population, with potential long-term respiratory health risks.
Human inhalation exposure assessment of the airborne microplastics from indoor deposited dusts during winter in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Researchers analyzed indoor dust from 15 homes in Dhaka, Bangladesh and found microplastics in every sample, with concentrations suggesting that people inhale thousands of microplastic particles daily during winter when ventilation is reduced. The most common types were polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester from household items, and estimated daily inhalation exposure was highest for children relative to their body weight.