Supplementary material to "Urban-Rural Inequality in Microplastic Exposure Exacerbates Health Risks for Rural Residents in Northern China"

Urban-Rural Inequality in Microplastic Exposure Exacerbates Health Risks for Rural Residents in Northern China

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Researchers measured atmospheric microplastics and plasticizers in PM2.5 across urban and rural environments in China's Guanzhong Plain, finding that rural residents faced 3.6–6.8 times higher exposures than urban residents — with phthalate concentrations in rural indoor air up to 10.4 times higher — resulting in non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks 6.9 times greater in rural populations.

Atmospheric microplastic deposition in 24 Chinese cities with different socio-economic development levels

Micro(nano)plastics in human urine: A surprising contrast between Chongqing's urban and rural regions

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Scientists detected micro- and nanoplastics in human urine samples from both urban and rural areas in China, with city dwellers showing higher levels and more types of plastic particles. The findings suggest that everyday habits like using plastic toys and personal care products contribute to the plastics found inside our bodies, and that people in urban environments face greater exposure.

Investigation of the Urban Factors Affecting Microplastic Pollution in Chinese Cities: The Case of Ningbo

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Researchers analyzed how urban factors like population density, road networks, and industrial activity drive microplastic pollution in Chinese cities, using Ningbo as a case study, finding that city planning decisions directly shape how much plastic ends up in freshwater ecosystems that communities rely on.

Microplastics may act as a vector for potentially hazardous metals in rural soils in Xiamen, China

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Researchers investigating rural soils in coastal Xiamen, China found microplastics at abundances up to 2,222 items/kg alongside eight potentially hazardous metals including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, suggesting microplastics may act as vectors for metal transport across agricultural land. The co-occurrence of microplastics and toxic heavy metals in farmland soils amplifies human health risks, as both contaminants can be taken up by crops and enter the food supply simultaneously.