Microplastic Distribution Model in Ambient Air PM_2.5 Around the Medan Industrial Area, North Sumatra

Abstract

This research aims to investigate and model the distribution of microplastics in PM2.5-sized air particulates around the Medan industrial area, North Sumatra. Focusing on airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, this research seeks to understand the impact of exposure to microplastics on ambient air quality. The air sampling method was carried out systematically at various strategic points around the industrial area, and laboratory analysis was carried out to detect and identify microplastics. The research results showed that the number of microplastics in PM2.5 in ambient air ranged from 41 – 92 particles with an abundance of 0.41 – 1.40 particles/m3. The dominant form of microplastics around the Medan industrial area is fragments, amounting to 62%. The distribution of the number of microplastics and their abundance is marked in red, which is close to the source of pollution, namely industrial areas.