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A Preliminary Assessment of Size-Fractionated Microplastics in Indoor Aerosol-Kuwait's Baseline
Saif Uddin1, Scott W Fowler2,3, Nazima Habibi1
1Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box. 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
Abstract:
The omnipresence of microplastic (MP) in various environmental samples, including aerosols, has raised public health concerns; however, there is presently very limited information on MPs in indoor aerosol. This paper presents a unique dataset where smaller MPs have been sampled using a six-stage cascade impactor from indoor environments in Kuwait. The MP concentration in the indoor air varied between 3.2 and 27.1 particles m-3, and the relative MP concentration decreased linearly from the lowest to the highest size fraction. A significant effect of location was observed for the total number of MPs (F2,14 = 5.80, p = 0.02) and the inhalable fraction (F2,14 = 8.38, p = 0.005), while location had no effect on the respirable fraction (F2,14 = 0.54, p = 0.60). A significant effect of the type of air conditioning used was also observed for the total number of MPs (F2,19 = 5.58, p = 0.01) and the inhalable fraction (F2,19 = 6.45, p = 0.008), while location had no effect on the respirable fraction (F2,19 = 1.30, p = 0.30). For the total number of MPs and the inhalable fraction, the concentration was significantly higher for the split unit air-conditioning as compared to the central air-conditioning plants. The presence/absence of carpets had no significant effect on the MP concentrations (total: F1,19 = 4.08, p = 0.06; inhalable: F1,19 = 3.03, p = 0.10; respirable: F1,19 = 4.27, p = 0.05). The shape was dominantly fibers, with few fragments in lower size fractions. These datasets represent the first baseline information for Kuwait, and the smaller MPs in all the samples further underscore the need to develop standardized protocols of MP collection in the ≤2.5 µm fraction that can have more conspicuous health implications.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) particles were measured in indoor Kuwaiti aerosols, revealing concentrations between 3.2 and 27.1 particles/m³. The study highlights the need for standardized collection protocols for smaller MPs due to potential health implications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) contamination is a global concern, extending to aerosols.
- Limited data exists on indoor airborne MPs, particularly in arid regions like Kuwait.
- Understanding indoor MP presence is crucial for assessing public health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microplastic concentrations in indoor aerosols in Kuwait.
- To investigate the influence of location, air conditioning type, and carpets on MP levels.
- To characterize the size distribution and morphology of indoor airborne MPs.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of indoor aerosols using a six-stage cascade impactor in Kuwait.
- Quantification of microplastic particles across different size fractions (≤2.5 µm considered).
- Statistical analysis to determine the effects of environmental factors on MP concentrations.
Main Results:
- Indoor air MP concentrations ranged from 3.2 to 27.1 particles/m³.
- Location and air conditioning type significantly affected total and inhalable MP concentrations.
- Split unit air conditioning showed higher MP concentrations than central systems; fibers were the dominant shape.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first baseline data on indoor airborne MPs in Kuwait.
- Smaller MPs (≤2.5 µm) are prevalent and warrant further investigation due to potential health impacts.
- Standardized MP collection protocols, especially for smaller fractions, are essential.
