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Characterization of airborne microplastics and health risks in high-temperature urban streets: A case study of Nanjing city
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Researchers measured airborne microplastics on high-temperature streets in Nanjing, China, and found that hotter ground temperatures significantly increased the release of traffic-related microplastics. Tire wear and road markings were identified as major sources, and health risk modeling showed that daily inhalation exposure could reach concerning levels for both adults and children. The study highlights that people living in hot urban areas with heavy traffic may face higher microplastic exposure through breathing.
Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental issue, particularly pronounced in traffic-dense urban areas as the urbanization accelerates. Notably, under high temperatures (daily maximum temperature > 35 °C), the generation and diffusion of traffic-sourced microplastics may undergo significant variations, leading to a potentially higher exposure risk. While existing research has investigated microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial environments, systematic studies on traffic-sourced microplastics in urban streets remain scarce regarding their emission patterns, transport dynamics, and potential health impacts. This study addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the distribution patterns and health risks of traffic-sourced microplastics in high-temperature urban streets and presents a case study of Nanjing city (China). Active sampling was conducted to collect suspended particles and sediments on urban streets, followed by qualitative and quantitative microplastic analyses. Our investigation further explores potential sources, influencing factors, and associated human health risks. The results demonstrate that elevated ground temperatures significantly enhance traffic-related microplastic release (R = 0.91), while high humidity promotes their deposition (R = -0.84). Black/gray microplastics (30.6 % of sediment load) mainly stem from traffic. Positive Matrix Factorization analysis found that the transportation is a key atmospheric microplastic source. Inhalation risk assessment revealed substantial exposure in high-temperature urban streets. Children's daily inhalation intake, estimated using the health risk assessment model defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ranges from 3340 to 4719 μg kg day, which is higher than that of adults (3535-3845 μg kg day). These findings provide crucial insights into traffic-sourced microplastics and their health implications under high temperatures, facilitating the future development of sustainable urban environment.
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