Assessing Microplastic Distribution in Indoor Environments: A Case Study of a University Facility in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

Abstract Detection of microplastics in indoor air environments has raised concerns related to the potential public health risks associated with exposure. The present investigation examines the prevalence of microplastics in a university facility situated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Specifically, this study analyzed 24 samples of indoor dust for microplastics in both the classrooms and the offices of the faculty members, which were located on the same floor of the building. Findings indicate that microplastics were found in active samples in the office and classroom with a mean concentration of (156 ± 48 MPs/m3; n = 6) and (104 ± 13 MPs/m3; n = 6) MPs/m3, respectively, while deposition rates were 1898 ± 908 MPs/m2/day and 3434 ± 624 MPs/m2/day for classroom and office respectively. Besides, the estimated daily intake of an adult in the office and classroom was 227 MPs/kg /BW/day and 163 MPs/kg/BW/day, respectively. Findings from the present study indicate that indoor environments are prone to microplastic pollution, although microplastic concentration varies significantly based on the different characteristics of indoor settings.