We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Breathing plastics in Metro Manila, Philippines: presence of suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first survey of airborne microplastics in Metro Manila, Philippines, sampling ambient air across 17 cities. They found suspended microplastics at every sampling location, with polyester fibers making up about 74% of all particles detected. The study estimates that an adult in Metro Manila could potentially inhale one airborne microplastic particle after roughly 99 to 132 hours of exposure at normal breathing rates.
Microplastics (< 5 mm) have lately been identified in the atmosphere of urban, suburban, and even distant places far from plastic particle areas, suggesting the possibility of long-distance atmospheric transport of microplastics. However, the occurrence, fate, transmission, and effects of these suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) are all currently unknown in the Philippines. This study investigated the presence of suspected microplastic in the atmosphere of sixteen cities and one municipality of Metro Manila, Philippines. Sampling was conducted using a respirable dust sampler mounted with a Whatman GF/C filter paper at an intake flow rate of 1.4 L/min with Whatman GF/C filter paper. Results reveal that all seventeen sampling areas have the presence of SAMPs. A total of 155 SAMPs were found and confirmed in Metro Manila, with the highest concentration in Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City (0.023 SAMP/NCM). Fourteen SAMP types were identified across the sampling areas, ⁓ 74% with polyester. This study is the first record of the presence of microplastics suspended in the ambient air in the Philippines. It is estimated that an adult person in Metro Manila has the potential to inhale (5-8 per minute, normal minute ventilation) about 1 SAMP if exposed for about 99.0 to 132 h. Further studies should be done to evaluate the fate and health effects of these SAMPs in Metro Manila's setting.
More Papers Like This
Breathing plastics in Metro Manila, Philippines: Presence of suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air samples from 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila, Philippines, confirming that urban air in Southeast Asia contains respirable plastic particles and raising concern about inhalation exposure among dense urban populations.
Microplastics in the air of Metro Manila, Philippines: Diurnal and seasonal dynamics and potential health risk
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured suspended atmospheric microplastics in Metro Manila, Philippines across both dry and wet seasons and found higher concentrations during the dry season, with levels typically peaking during daytime hours. Temperature was positively associated with airborne microplastic levels, while humidity and rainfall helped reduce concentrations. The study estimates that people in the area could inhale more than 130 microplastic particles per month during the dry season, highlighting the need to include microplastics in air quality monitoring.
Suspended Airborne Microplastics Across Urban Roadside Environments in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines: Compositional Variation and Implications for Urban Air Quality
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the air along busy streets in a Philippine city and found tiny plastic particles—mostly fibers from things like clothing and packaging—floating in every sample they collected, meaning people breathing roadside air are likely inhaling these particles regularly. While this study didn't test health effects directly, it adds to growing evidence that microplastics are a normal part of city air we breathe every day, which matters since scientists are still working out what these particles might do to our lungs and bodies over time.
Atmospheric Microplastic Particulate in Urban Roadside: Case of Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastics in Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia, finding fibrous particles — mostly PET — present at all sampling locations including residential areas and city centers, not just industrial zones. The detection of microplastics in the ambient air at meaningful concentrations adds to the growing body of evidence that people in urban environments are continuously inhaling microplastic fibers, regardless of proximity to obvious industrial sources.
Suspended Airborne Microplastics in Urban Roadside Environments of Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines: Abundance, Characteristics, and Polymer Composition
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected airborne microplastics from four roadside sites in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, using respirable dust samplers and ATR-FTIR polymer confirmation, finding polypropylene and PET fibers as dominant forms with concentrations up to 0.0212 items per cubic meter and greater variation in particle characteristics than in overall abundance across sites.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.