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Microplastics in Urban Ambient Air: A Rapid Review of Active Sampling and Analytical Methods for Human Risk
Inkyu Han1, Chanmi Lee1, Caesar Belchez2
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
Environments (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 17, 2026
Summary
This review evaluates methods for sampling and analyzing outdoor urban microplastics. Advanced techniques are crucial for assessing health risks from inhalable microplastics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Understanding outdoor urban microplastic exposure is critical for public health.
- Active air sampling and advanced analytical methods are needed for accurate characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate active air sampling and analytical methods for characterizing outdoor urban microplastics.
- To synthesize current knowledge from 35 peer-reviewed studies.
- To identify methods suitable for assessing human exposure and health risks.
Main Methods:
- Rapid review of 35 peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Categorization of analytical techniques: microscopy, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, mass spectrometry (Py-GC).
- Evaluation of active air sampling methods for inhalation concentration and dose data.
Main Results:
- Active sampling provides detailed inhalation concentration and dose data.
- Advanced instruments (μRaman, SEM) are essential for analyzing inhalable microplastics (<10 μm).
- Fibers and black particles are predominant microplastic types, offering qualitative source information.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative analysis combining techniques like μRaman and Py-GC is vital for human risk assessment.
- Future research should prioritize identifying and quantifying health-relevant inhalable microplastic compounds.
- Characterizing microplastic sources and exposure pathways requires robust analytical methodologies.
