Journal
| Title | Breathing plastics in Metro Manila, Philippines: Presence of suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air Posted by Hernando Bacosa |
| Authors | Rodolfo A. Romarate II · Sheila Mae B. Ancla · Dawn May M. Patilan · Sherley Ann T. Inocente · Christine Joy M. Pacilan · Astrid L. Sinco · Jaime Q. Guihawan· Rey Y. Capangpangan· Arnold A. Lubguban· Hernando P. Bacosa |
| Publication date | 2023 |
| Journal | Environmental Science and Pollution Research |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 18 |
| Pages | 53662-53673 |
| Publisher | Springer Nature |
| Abstract | Microplastics (<5 mm) have lately been identifed 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 efects 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 flter paper at an intake fow rate of 1.4 L/min with Whatman GF/C flter paper. Results reveal that all seventeen sampling areas have the presence of SAMPs. A total of 155 SAMPs were found and confrmed in Metro Manila, with the highest concentration in Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City (0.023 SAMP/NCM). Fourteen SAMP types were identifed across the sampling areas, â 74% with polyester. This study is the frst 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 (5â8 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 efects of these SAMPs in Metro Manilaâs setting. |
| Index terms / Keywords | Atmospheric microplastics · Metro Manila · Fibers · Microplastics · Air pollution · Plastics · Fibers |
| URL | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-023-26117-y |