Microplastic characterization based on the number of occupants

Plastic pollution is a serious problem, and the majority of research in this area focuses on microplastics. Microplastics are plastic particles with diameters <5mm and pose a potential threat to human health and activities. This study focuses on the presence of microplastics in indoor dust. The research locations include an apartment, an office, and a school in the city of Surabaya. Dust samples were collected using a transparent container and then filtered. The filtered samples were then observed with a digital microscope to measure their microplastic concentrations and underwent FTIR testing to determine the microplastic compositions. The greatest concentration of microplastics was found in the office (1186.36 particles/m2). Most of the microplastics found were fibers. Various types of microplastic polymers were found at the study sites, namely, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, cellophane, chipboard, and alkyd resin. Of those polymers, 66% were cellophane and 34% came from a mixture of chemicals dominated by polyethylene terephthalate. The microplastics were mostly in the 1000-1500 µm size range. Microplastic exposure in indoor spaces can occur through inhalation, eating, and dust exposure.