Characterization of Microplastics in the Atmosphere

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as small fragments of plastic or synthetic polymer material that are less than 5mm in size. Previous research has primarily focused on MPs in marine and coastal environments; however, characterization of MPs in the atmosphere has been limited. The goal of this study is to investigate MPs in the atmosphere, i.e., their composition, origin, and transport, due to the uncertainties associated with the impacts of MPs on human health upon inhalation. Active and passive sampling is conducted at two diverse locations: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Active sampling entails using the Tisch High Volume Air Sampler, to collect MPs on filters which are collected daily. On the other hand, passive sampling utilizes a setup devised to hold the filter to collect MPs, on a weekly basis. Post sampling procedures involve submerging the filters in 30% hydrogen peroxide to eliminate any organic material and to ensure that only MPs are being analyzed followed by vacuum filtration where the MPs are transferred to a 10 filter for visual analysis. Optical characterization takes place using a ZEISS Axioscope 7 compound microscope to determine the size distribution of these particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy will be utilized to investigate the chemical properties of MPs. This study has implications for the effects of MPs on human health via inhalation, as well as their effects on water bodies and soil upon deposition

Characterization of Microplastics in the Atmosphere

For the purposes of this research, microplastics (MPs) can be defined as small fragments of plastic or synthetic polymer material that are less than 5mm in size. The goal of this study is to investigate MPs in the atmosphere. Previous research has primarily focused on MPs in marine and coastal environments; however, we are directing our attention to the atmospheric presence of MPs. This is due to the uncertainties associated with the impacts of MPs on human health upon inhalation. By the means of active and passive sampling, we aim to determine the atmospheric transport of MPs operating from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the Daytona Beach Campus. Active sampling entails using the Tisch High Volume Air Sampler, which will be collected daily. On the other hand, passive sampling utilizes a setup devised to hold the filter to collect MPs, this will be collected weekly. From this point, the MPs will be isolated and analyzed under a ZEISS Axioscope 7 compound microscope to determine the size of the microplastic particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy will be utilized to investigate chemical properties of MPs. Utilizing these methods, we will obtain a thorough understanding of the composition and origin of these atmospheric particles. To further assess the effect of weather conditions on the transportation of MPs in the atmosphere, this work will be conducted seasonally. This study has implications for the effects of MPs on human health via inhalation, as well as their effects on water bodies and soil upon deposition