Analytical techniques, occurrence and health effects of micro and nano plastics deposited in street dust

ABSTRACT

Urban street dust is regarded as a significant pollutant in the urban environment and an ideal indicator of urban environmental quality. Even so, studies regarding this matrix for microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution are often overlooked and only a few studies have been conducted to date. MPs and NPs are ubiquitous in nature and of current concern to scientists, governmental and non-governmental organisation. A key issue in understanding the fate and potential effects of MPs and NPs is their dynamic nature, as the size, shape, and charge of the particles change overtime. Reviewed studies suggested that they are present in significant quantities in deposited street dust comprised mainly of PES (Polyester), PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene), TRWP (Tire and road wear particles) and the concentrations are influenced by anthropogenic activities. These studies therefore suggest dusts as a significant exposure route of human and ecosystem to MPs and NPs. The present review provided a comprehensive overview of current knowledge or information including analytical procedure regarding MPs and NPs in road deposited street dust, identifying gaps in knowledge, and giving suggestions for future research. The significance of this review is that, dusts particles can be easily ingested by humans through inhalation or contact and humans may simultaneously ingest MPs and NPs. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of their sources, pathways, and reservoirs is very important particularly for scientist studying the occurrence and fate of MPs and NPs in ecosystems as well as the general public.

KEYWORDS:

• Analytical techniques
• environment
• health risk
• inhalation
• microplastics
• nanoplastics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).