It appeared in a study that the air of Metro Manila already contains microplastics that humans can inhale. The cities that reportedly have the highest levels of microplastics in the air–Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa.
The study was conducted by Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology students, led by Rodolfo Romarate II and guided by Dr. Hernando Bacosa, PhD.
The group took sampling from 17 LGUs of Metro Manila on December 16 to 31, 2021.
They collected 864 cubic meters of air in each LGU for 12 hours daily. Here, it was found that there were 155 suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) from all 17 sampling stations in Metro Manila.
“We collected air from our simulation of the height of an average person,” Romarate told GMA News Online via Zoom call this Wednesday, to show the danger faced by people who are always on the streets, such as street sweepers, MMDA personnel, and even commuters.
The study revealed that Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa have the highest concentration of microplastic particles, with 19 microplastic particles per 864 cubic meters of air.
Malabon has the lowest level of microplastic accumulation at 1 particle of SAMPs per 840 cubic meters.
“Most number of SAMPs were found in the northern, central, and southernmost cities of Metro Manila, specifically Caloocan (n=15), San Juan (n=14), Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa (n=19),” according to the study.
Las Piñas, Parañaque, Pasig, Quezon City, and Malabon will not reach 5 SAMPs.
Microplastics already in the air of Metro Manila – study
According to the study, “fibrous microplastic” leads the number of SAMPs, reaching 88% of the sample collected.
“Mostly polyester was the type of microplastic found so we can infer that they came from clothing,” explained Romarate.
“Fashion itself is causing microplastic pollution,” he continued. “The fluff of the clothes, right? When you wash the clothes, that could lead to microplastic pollution in water. When you dry it, that could lead to microplastic pollution in air.”
Other types of microplastics found in the air of Metro Manila include PET plastic which is often used in water bottles, Polystyrene or styrofoam, PVC material, and polypropylene which is used in plastic packaging.
Although trees are said to help reduce microplastics in the air, they are not said to be able to absorb microplastics as they do with carbon and other pollution.
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