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Dynamic Complexity of a Discrete-time Prey-Predator Model with Mixed Functional Responses
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Researchers assessed atmospheric microplastic deposition at fifteen major traffic intersections across greater Dhaka city from July to August 2022, calculating deposition rates ranging from 1.11x10^6 to 5.78x10^6 MPs/m2/day and characterising particle types using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The study documented fluorescence activity in a subset of microplastic particles and identified traffic infrastructure as a major source of airborne microplastic contamination in one of the world's most densely populated urban environments.
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): 15-24, 2024 (July)
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Microplastics in the Atmospheric Deposited Dust Collected from Different Traffic Intersections in Dhaka City
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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.
Urban atmospheric microplastic distribution and potential health impact in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
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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.
Quantification and characterization of airborne microplastics and their possible hazards: a case study from an urban sprawl in eastern India
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Researchers measured airborne microplastic deposition in Malda City, India, and found daily deposition rates of 122 to 387 particles per square meter. The most common types were polyethylene, PVC, and PET fragments and films, mostly very small (50 to 100 micrometers). The study found that human activity and commercial areas were the main drivers of microplastic distribution, and that these airborne particles pose ecological risks when they settle into soil and water.
Urbanization and Humidity Impact Atmospheric Deposition of Anthropogenic Microparticles (Including Microplastics) in a Humid Subtropical City
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Researchers tracked tiny plastic and fiber particles falling from the air in St. Louis for a year and found more of them in the city than in the suburbs, but surprisingly, humid weather seemed to matter even more than how crowded or urban an area was. Since we breathe this same air every day, understanding what drives microplastic fallout (like local climate, not just population size) could help identify which regions face higher exposure risks, even in mid-sized cities that don't usually get as much research attention as major metropolises.
Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a developing country in South Asia: abundance, distribution, morphology, and possible sources
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Researchers quantified airborne microplastic concentrations in indoor and outdoor environments in a South Asian developing country, characterizing particle abundance, size distribution, morphology, and potential sources, finding significant microplastic air pollution in a lower-middle-income country context.
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