Airborne microplastic concentrations and deposition across the Weser River catchment

Kernchen, Sarmite; Löder, Martin G. J.; Fischer, Friedrich; Fischer, Dieter; Moses, Sonya R.; Georgi, Christoph; Nölscher, A. C.; Held, Andreas; Laforsch, Christian

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151812

Cited by 63 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 85 publications

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“…Observed concentrations generally increased with increased instrument limits of detection, as expected. Higher concentrations were on the order of 100 s ( 2 – 4 ) to 1,000 s ( 1 , 2 ) of MPs per cubic meter of air and most studies found the majority of particles to be distributed in the smaller size classes. Few studies explicitly estimate exposure.…”

Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, if inhaled, these particles are likely to deposit in the upper airways and be swallowed due to the particle sizes being >25 μm. Just two studies used a method with a limit of detection below 10 μm ( 1 , 4 ), which is relevant to human exposure in the central and lower airways and subsequent adverse health outcomes. In impactor samples (>2.5 μm and 2.5–1.0 μm aerodynamic diameter) collected near Bremen City, Germany, Kernchen et al ( 4 ) found 67% of observed MP were below 10 μm in size, giving an exposure concentration of 60/m 3 .…”

Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Just two studies used a method with a limit of detection below 10 μm ( 1 , 4 ), which is relevant to human exposure in the central and lower airways and subsequent adverse health outcomes. In impactor samples (>2.5 μm and 2.5–1.0 μm aerodynamic diameter) collected near Bremen City, Germany, Kernchen et al ( 4 ) found 67% of observed MP were below 10 μm in size, giving an exposure concentration of 60/m 3 . If normal adult minute ventilation is between 5 and 8 liters per minute, this results in an inhalation exposure estimate of 432–691 MPs per day.…”

Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is important to highlight that those studies which do not analyze an aerodynamic fraction, collected by an aerodynamic size selective sampler, observe a very broad and coarse size distribution. Those studies which analyze a sample collected with an aerodynamic size selective sampler ( 1 , 4 ) observe a narrower size distribution, with a modal size around 10 μm ( 1 ).…”

Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The most frequently observed polymers in air are polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, with polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and epoxy resin particles also commonly observed. Most studies find that fragments are the predominant shape, followed by fibers, however, all these variables depend on the sample type, environment, geographical location, and analytical methodology employed ( 1 – 4 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Applying Existing Particle Paradigms to Inhaled Microplastic Particles

Wright

Borm²

2022

Front. Public Health

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Ambient particulate pollution originating from plastic contaminates air, including indoor and urban environments. The recent discovery of ambient microplastic (MP) particles of a size capable of depositing in the thoracic region of the airway, if inhaled, has raised concern for public exposure and health impacts following lessons learned from other particle domains. Current microplastic exposure estimates are relatively low compared to total ambient particulate matter, but optimal analytical techniques and therefore data for risk and health impact assessments are lacking. In the absence of such an evidence base, this paper explores paradigms, metrics and dose-response curves developed in other particle domains as a starting point for predicting whether microplastic are of concern. Bio-persistence, presence of reactive sites and soluble toxicants are likely key properties in microplastic toxicity, but these are not measured in environmental studies and hence are challenging to interpret in exposure. Data from a MP inhalation study in rats is available but the study was conducted using conditions that do not replicate the known human health effects of PM2.5 or surrogate exposures: compromised, aged animal models are recommended to investigate potential parallels between MPs and PM2.5. One of these parallels is provided by tire wear particles (TWP), which form part of current ambient PM and are sometimes regarded as microplastic. A connection to epidemiological studies where PM filters are still available is recommended and consequently analytical advances are required. In summary, established particle domains and existing paradigms provide valuable insight and data that can be used to predict MP toxicity, and direct study design and key properties to consider in this emerging field.

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Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Microplastic Inhalation Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Applying Existing Particle Paradigms to Inhaled Microplastic Particles

Wright

Borm²

2022

Front. Public Health

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Microplastics persist in an arable soil but do not affect soil microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and crop yield

Schöpfer

Möller

Steiner

et al. 2022

J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci.

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Background: Microplastics (MP, plastic particles <5 mm) are ubiquitous in arable soils due to significant inputs via organic fertilizers, sewage sludges, and plastic mulches. However, knowledge of typical MP loadings, their fate, and ecological impacts on arable soils is limited. Aims:We studied (1) MP background concentrations, (2) the fate of added conventional and biodegradable MP, and (3) effects of MP in combination with organic fertilizers on microbial abundance and activity associated with carbon (C) cycling, and crop yields in an arable soil.Methods: On a conventionally managed soil (Luvisol, silt loam), we arranged plots in a randomized complete block design with the following MP treatments (none, lowdensity polyethylene [LDPE], a blend of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) [PLA/PBAT]) and organic fertilizers (none, compost, digestate). We added 20 kg MP ha -1 and 10 t organic fertilizers ha -1 . We measured concentrations of MP in the soil, microbiological indicators of C cycling (microbial biomass and enzyme activities), and crop yields over 1.5 years.Results: Background concentration of MP in the top 10 cm was 296 ± 110 (mean ± standard error) particles <0.5 mm per kg soil, with polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene as the main polymers. Added LDPE and PLA/PBAT particles showed no changes in number and particle size over time. MP did not affect the soil microbiological indicators of C cycling or crop yields.Conclusions: Numerous MP occur in arable soils, suggesting diffuse MP entry into soils.In addition to conventional MP, biodegradable MP may persist under field conditions.However, MP at current concentrations are not expected to affect C turnover and crop yield.

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