The dawn of a new air pollutant: inhalable microplastics as emerging vectors of hazardous contaminants and their implications for human health

作者：Abhishek Biswas, Nirupama Saini, Nikhil Chivukula, Areejit Samal, Mahesh Ravikumar Jansari, Punyasloke Bhadury, Gopala Krishna Darbha · 发表于：Environment International · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.envint.2025.109897 · 被引用次数：13 · 研究领域：Microplastics and Plastic Pollution、Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals、Recycling and Waste Management Techniques

• iMPs were found in all air samples, constitutes ∼2.6 % of Particulate Matter 10&2.5. • iMPs: Kolkata > Delhi > Chennai > Mumbai (Indian cities ∼8.8 µg/m 3 & 32.5 iMPs/m 3 ). • Abundance (PET, SBR, PE, PVC), Prevalence (PET, PE, N66, PP) from textiles, packing. • iMPs transport contaminants like pathogens, ultrafine PM, PTEs, PPCPs, and POPs. • iMPs-mediated emissions linked to cancer, gut, endocrine, breast, and lung diseases. This study presents the first comprehensive research on inhalable microplastics (iMPs, <10 μm), a notorious subset of airborne microplastics (AMPs). To identify human health risk, ambient iMPs concentrations were assessed at human breathing height across the markets of four major Indian cities. With winter evening being the highest iMPs concentration, in Kolkata (14.23 µg/m 3 ), followed by Delhi (14.18 µg/m 3 ), linked to the highest footfalls, use of synthetic clothing, and poor waste management. Coastal cities (Chennai: 4 µg/m 3 , and Mumbai: 2.65 µg/m 3 ) showed lower levels, likely due to improved air circulation, less winter, and reduced apparel, confirmed by Principal Component Analysis. Py-GC-MS quantified 11 polymers, with PET (Polyester) from textiles as the most abundant, followed by PE and SBR from single-use plastics, packaging, vehicles, and footwear. Urban areas in India show an average iMPs concentration of 8.8 µg/m 3 , translating to a lifetime lung load of ∼2.9 g/person. Furthermore, this investigation highlights the risks of iMPs-as...