Microplastic Aerosol Contamination in Porto (Portugal)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Logvina, Y (Author) Other; Moreira, DS (Author) Other; Santos, RP (Author) Other; Neves, IF (Author) Other; Ribeiro, H (Author) FCUP; da Silva, LP (Author) FCUP; Joaquim C G E Esteves da Silva (Author) FCUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: MICROPLASTICS

Vol. 3

Pages: 696-716

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-K6X

DOI: 10.3390/microplastics3040043

Abstract (EN): Microplastic pollution, particularly particles smaller than 5 mm, poses significant environmental and health risks due to their potential for inhalation and long-range transport. This study provides the first long-term assessment of airborne microplastics and fibers in Porto, Portugal, over 18 months (September 2022 to March 2024). Bi-weekly samples were collected using a Microplastic Collector NILU, which were size-fractionated into five categories (>125 mu m, 125-63 mu m, 63-25 mu m, 25-12 mu m, and 12-1.2 mu m) and quantified via optical microscopy. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 26 to 1484 MPs/day/m(2), while fiber concentrations varied from 14 to 646 fibers/day/m(2). With a focus on the 12-1.2 mu m size range due to their classifications as PM10 and PM2.5, the highest microplastic concentrations were 164 MPs/day/m(2) (12-1.2 mu m) and 534 MPs/day/m(2) (25-12 mu m). Recovery rates varied among polymers, with PP, PE-HD, and ABS showing high accuracy (75.9%) and PES significantly lower (26.5%). This study highlights the significant temporal variability in airborne microplastic and fiber pollution, correlations with meteorological parameters, and the need for ongoing monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies to address associated health risks.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 21