Concentration of airborne microplastics in Bangkok,Thailand | |
| Author | Prinrada Keanamphan |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-24-05 |
| Subject(s) | Microplastics--Thailand--Bangkok Microplastics--Environmental aspects |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Microplastic pollution has emerged as a pressing global concern, posing significant environmental and health risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Of particular concern are airborne microplastics, which can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and other pathways. This study investigates the concentration and characteristics of airborne microplastics (< 5 millimeters) at Thammasat University Tha Phra Chan campus in Bangkok, Thailand. Nile red staining was utilized as the primary method for identifying airborne microplastics in the collected samples. Over a sampling period spanning from October 9, 2023, to February 2, 2024, thirty 24-hour samples were collected using a High-volume air sampler and Deposition sampler. The average number concentration of airborne microplastics was found to be 2.98 n/m3 , with concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 12.62 n/m3 . Additionally, the average number concentration of microplastic deposition was measured at 55,271 n/m2 , with concentrations ranging from 2293 to 226,529 n/m2 ,. Size distribution analysis revealed that 27.85% of the total microplastics had sizes smaller than 10 μm, while 72.09% fell within the range of 10-100 μm. Microplastics sized 100-1000 μm accounted for only 0.05% of the samples. The majority of microplastics observed were in the form of fragments (99.9%), with fibers constituting 0.2%. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared Microscope (FT-IR Microscope) analysis identified four distinct polymer types in the samples: Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Cellophane. These polymers are commonly found in various consumer products and are significant contributors to global microplastic pollution. Investigations into the correlation between microplastic concentration and meteorological parameters (wind speed and direction, humidity, and pressure) and criteria air pollutants (PM10and PM2.5) measured at the same location yielded no significant correlations. This comprehensive study enhances our understanding of airborne microplastic pollution in urban environments and underscores the importance of continued research and mitigation efforts to address this global environmental challenge. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ekbordin Winijkul |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thammarat Koottatep;Xue, Wenchao |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |