Considerations and Perspectives on Microplastics in Air as an Emerging Challenge

Air pollution affects almost every aspect of human physiology. Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants. In recent years, MPs from all spheres have been largely overlooked. Their transport from aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems into the atmosphere is emerging as a serious issue. Current literature in atmospheric MPs is at its early stage, hence, lacks in sufficient data on composition, abundance and characterization, especially in case of remote areas. Not only outdoor air, but indoor air also possess an equal threat of developing life-threatening ailments and to the air quality. This study focuses on physical characteristics of MPs such as length, size and colour. It was found that most of the MPs were of fibre- and film-like morphology. The length and colour of the MPs might depend upon the source and/or transportation. Since, MPs may give rise to secondary MPs, its abundance and chemical characterization are highly necessitated. Moreover, it has been found that MPs tend to adsorb certain pollutants such as semi-volatile compounds and transition metals, hence, are a matter of concern. This study presents the contemporary understanding of usual approaches for characterization of MPs in the atmosphere. This study also provides a better insight of the currently used methods and would contribute to prospect on detecting atmospheric MPs. More investigations for its characterization and quantification are required in order to comprehend its abundance as well as transportation.