Breathing plastics in Metro Manila, Philippines: Presence of suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air

Abstract Microplastics (< 5mm) 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 and 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, recording 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 a potential to inhale (5–8 per minute, normal minute ventilation) normal ventilation about 1 SAMP if exposed for about 99.0 to 131.57 hours. Further studies should be done to evaluate the fate and health effects of these SAMPs in Metro Manila’s setting.