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Microplastics in dust from different indoor environments
Jianqiang Zhu1, Xingqing Zhang2, Kaizhen Liao3
1Department of Environmental Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, PR China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are present in global indoor dust, which is an important source of MPs for humans. However, few researchers have investigated differences in the abundance and characteristics of MPs in dust in different indoor environments. In this study, we found that residential apartments (mean: 1174 MPs/g; n = 47) had the highest abundance of MPs in indoor dust samples, followed by offices (896 MPs/g; n = 50), business hotels (843 MPs/g; n = 53), university dormitories (775 MPs/g; n = 48), and university classrooms (209 MPs/g; n = 44). The predominant shape of MPs was fiber in most indoor dust samples. The main size fraction of the MPs in the indoor dust samples from university classrooms and business hotels was 201-500 μm, and it was 501-1000 μm in those from offices, university dormitories, and residential apartments. The main MP polymer in indoor dust samples from business hotels, university dormitories, and residential apartments was polyester, whereas those from offices and university classrooms were mainly polyethylene and polypropylene. We calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs through the inhalation of indoor dust, and found that infants (7.4 MPs/kg bw/day) had a higher mean EDI of MPs than toddlers (1.4 MPs/kg bw/day), children (0.49 MPs/kg bw/day), adults (0.23 MPs/kg bw/day), and university students (0.22 MPs/kg bw/day). To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report differences in MP occurrence in dust samples from different indoor environments, and our findings provide a more accurate understanding of exposure risks of MPs to humans.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) are most abundant in residential dust, with fibers being the predominant shape. Infants have the highest estimated daily intake of MPs from indoor dust inhalation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in indoor dust, posing a significant human exposure pathway.
- Limited research exists on variations in MP abundance and characteristics across diverse indoor environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the abundance, characteristics, and human exposure risks of MPs in dust from various indoor settings.
- To identify key MP types, sizes, and polymers prevalent in different indoor environments.
Main Methods:
- Dust samples were collected from residential apartments, offices, business hotels, university dormitories, and classrooms.
- MPs were analyzed for abundance, shape, size, and polymer composition.
- Estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs via inhalation was calculated for different age groups.
Main Results:
- Residential apartments showed the highest MP abundance (1174 MPs/g), followed by offices and hotels. Fibers were the predominant MP shape.
- MP size varied by environment, with larger fractions (501-1000 μm) in residences and smaller ones (201-500 μm) in classrooms.
- Polyester was common in residential and hotel dust, while polyethylene and polypropylene dominated office and classroom dust.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in MP contamination exist across different indoor environments.
- Infants exhibit the highest estimated daily intake of MPs from indoor dust, highlighting a vulnerable population.
- Findings enhance understanding of human exposure risks to MPs in indoor settings.
