First quantification and chemical characterization of atmospheric microplastics observed in Seoul, South Korea

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2023-06, Vol.327, p.121481-121481, Article 121481
• Main Authors: Chang, Dong Yeong, Jeong, Sujong, Shin, Jaewon, Park, Jungmin, Park, Chan Ryul, Choi, Sumin, Chun, Chi-Hwan, Chae, Min-Young, Lim, Byung Chul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Active air pumped sampling; Atmospheric microplastic; China; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Microplastics; Plastic; Plastics; Polyethylene Terephthalates; Polypropylene; Polypropylenes; Republic of Korea; Seoul; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121481

This study is the first report on atmospheric microplastics (MPs) observed in five outdoor environments, including an urban forest, a business center, commercial areas, and a public transportation hub in Seoul, South Korea. Air samples were collected using an active air pump sampler for 24 h in each area only on days without rainfall. All observed microplastics are secondary microplastics, in the form of irregularly-shaped fragments or fibers produced through various degradation processes, rather than being primarily produced like microbeads. The abundance of atmospheric MPs varied depending on the environment (i.e., region, height, and time) from 0.33 to 1.21 MP m-3, with the average number of MPs being 0.72 MP m-3 (standard deviation ± 0.39). MPs in the urban forest was observed to be 27% lower in abundance than that in the urban center which is ∼3 km away. The central business district was observed to have a 25% higher abundance during weekdays than on weekends. Our results show the ubiquity of MPs in various areas from high-rise buildings to forests tens of kilometers away from their direct sources, and a positive correlation between the abundance of MP and human activity. Morphologically, the fragment type (87.4%) predominated over the fiber type (12.6%), and chemically, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) components accounted for 65% of the total MP. PP polymers were found in all observation sites and contributed to 59% of the total MP fragments. The observed fibrous MPs were mainly composed of PET (72.7%) and PP (18.2%) polymers. Compared to other large cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Paris), Seoul is exposed to low levels of atmospheric MPs and high proportions of PP polymers. This study is limited to atmospheric MPs observed in summer and further investigation of MPs is needed to comprehensively understand the distribution and cycle of MPs based on long-term monitoring of atmospheric MPs. [Display omitted] •Atmospheric microplastics (AMP) are observed in the range of 0.33–1.21 MP m−3.•In urban forests, AMP is observed 27% less than in urban areas.•In business districts, AMP is observed 25% more abundant on weekdays than on weekends.•Microplastic fragments predominate and polypropylene is the most abundant.