Residential indoor airborne microplastics profiles: Levels, characterization, composition, and inhalation exposure assessment

Abstract

Airborne microplastics (AMPs) may pose significant concerns for human health. This study aimed to assess the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the indoor air of residential houses in Isfahan City. A total of 41 residential houses were randomly selected for this research. Airborne particles were collected using an air sampling pump with a flow rate of 10 L per minute and quartz filters for 6 h. The results showed a total of 2797 MPs observed in all the samples. The concentration of AMPs ranged from 8.9 to 42.5 MP/m3, with an average concentration of 18.9 f 6.2 MP/m3. The identified AMPs in this study varied in size from 17 to 4892 mu m, with an average of 1156 f 182.5 mu m. Among the observed microplastic shapes, fibers were the most abundant, presenting in black and light colors. Among the MPs identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy (representing 12 of the total collected particles), PET accounted for 38 , followed by PA at 22 . Inhalation exposure assessment across four different groups revealed that, overall, males had higher exposure levels, with adults experiencing the highest exposure (181.8 f 59.22 MPs/day). Meanwhile, children under five years old and elderly individuals over 61, who are considered vulnerable groups, inhaled approximately 59.7 f 19.46 and 145.2 f 47.32 MPs/day, respectively. This study highlights the presence and potential risks of exposure to AMPs in indoor residential environments of Isfahan City. It emphasizes the need for further research and strategies to mitigate indoor microplastic pollution and its potential health impacts.