Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Microplastics suspended in dust from different indoor environments in Barranquilla, Colombia: Predominant
Angela Patricia Abad-López1, Karollayn Karina Orozco-Pérez2, Victoria A Arana3
1Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Número 8-49, Puerto Colombia, 081001, Colombia.
Abstract:
Considering that microplastics (MPs) are classified as ubiquitous pollutants, that air quality affects human health, and that people remain indoors most of the time, the need has arisen to evaluate the exposure to MPs within the suspended dust in indoor environments. With this objective, the present study carried out passive sampling to analyze the precipitation of microparticles in some indoor residential environments (2 apartments) and workplaces (an office, a pastry shop, a gift shop, and a paint shop) in Barranquilla, Colombia. The quantification and physical characterization of microparticles were carried out under a stereomicroscope, and the chemical characterization was carried out by infrared microspectroscopy (μFTIR). The highest average concentration of MPs in the apartments was found in the air-conditioned rooms (1.1 × 104 MP/m2/day), and concerning the workplaces, the gift shop and the paint shop were the spaces with a higher proportion of MPs (6.0-6.1 × 103 MP/m2/day), with polyesters being the main synthetic polymers, but being semi-synthetic particles the predominant among the samples. Regarding its morphology, fibers were the most abundant shape (>90%), grouping mainly in the 1000-5000 μm range, while the few fragments found were mostly grouped below 50 μm. Exposure by inhalation of MPs in adults was estimated between 1.7 × 102-1.6 × 103 MP/kg/day, while by ingestion it ranged between 2.7 × 102-2.4 × 103 MPs/kg/day. On the other hand, within our research, a significant presence of non-plastic microparticles was found, which reached up to 69% in analyzed samples, corresponding mainly to cotton and cellulose, so we suggest that these should also be included in future studies that aim to estimate potential health implications from exposure to suspended micropollutants.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) pollution was assessed in indoor dust in Colombia. High MP concentrations were found in air-conditioned rooms and gift/paint shops, with fibers being the predominant form.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with potential human health impacts.
- Indoor air quality is crucial as people spend most of their time indoors.
- Limited data exists on MP exposure from indoor suspended dust.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and characterize microparticles in indoor dust from residential and workplace environments in Barranquilla, Colombia.
- To assess potential human exposure to MPs via inhalation and ingestion.
- To identify the types and morphologies of microparticles present.
Main Methods:
- Passive sampling was employed to collect suspended microparticles in apartments and various workplaces.
- Stereomicroscopy was used for quantification and physical characterization.
- Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (μFTIR) was utilized for chemical identification.
Main Results:
- Highest MP concentrations were observed in air-conditioned rooms (1.1 × 10⁴ MP/m²/day) and gift/paint shops (6.0-6.1 × 10³ MP/m²/day).
- Polyesters were the primary synthetic polymers, but semi-synthetic particles predominated.
- Fibers (>90%) were the most common morphology, mostly in the 1000-5000 μm range; fragments were <50 μm.
- Non-plastic microparticles (cotton, cellulose) constituted up to 69% of samples.
Conclusions:
- Indoor environments, particularly air-conditioned spaces and certain workplaces, harbor significant levels of microplastic dust.
- Estimated daily exposure to MPs via inhalation and ingestion warrants further investigation into health implications.
- The substantial presence of non-plastic microparticles suggests their inclusion in future exposure assessments.
