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Determination of atmospheric microplastic levels in a textile industry intensive region
Summary
This study measured atmospheric microplastic levels in a region with intensive textile manufacturing, finding elevated concentrations linked to industrial fiber emissions. The results underscore the textile sector as a significant local source of airborne microplastic pollution.
Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic plastic particles ranging in size from 1.000-5.000 mm, which can be found in regular, irregular, fiber, and foam shapes. Due to their environmental ubiquity and potential toxicological effects, they have become one of the most concerning pollutants worldwide in recent years. It is known that MPs are present in water, soil, and air environments, and their atmospheric concentrations in the air, as a result of their wide distribution, are considered a potential source of exposure through respiration and ingestion. The main sources of MPs are considered to be synthetic textile fibers, cosmetics, detergents, plastic wastes, abrasion from car tires, and the gradual breakdown of plastic materials. Synthetic textiles and urban dust are thought to be the most important sources of microplastics. In this study, the concentration levels of atmospheric MPs were determined in Çorlu and its surroundings, an industrial zone located in the province of Tekirdağ-Turkey, which hosts many textile facilities and is exposed to intensive industrialization. For this purpose, atmospheric deposition and street dust samples were collected from three locations: a central area with dense urban settlement, an industrial zone with concentrated textile activities, and a clean downwind coastal area. The samples were collected in three periods: December 2023, February 2024, March 2024. According to the results obtained, total MP values in atmospheric deposition samples were determined to be in the range of 131-1.397 units/m 2 /day, and in street dust samples, they were determined to be in the range of 9.810-213.485 units/kg. When the sampling points were compared, it was determined that the highest levels were found in the industrial zone and urban area.
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