Microplastics in the Air: Cover Story of Environmental Science Highlights Urgent Pollution Concerns
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as a critical environmental challenge, with growing evidence of their presence in the air we breathe. These airborne MPs, including polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), not only pollute the environment but also pose serious health risks, potentially leading to pulmonary diseases.
The latest Environmental Science issue highlights this pressing problem on its cover, featuring groundbreaking research by Durga Prasad Patnanaa and B. P. Chandra from the Dept. of Chemistry, SSSIHL.
The study introduces a novel method using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to measure PET MPs in fine particulate matter (PM2.5). A pilot study conducted in Delhi and Mohali revealed alarming PET MP concentrations of 135.20 ng m−3 and 157.98 ng m−3, respectively.
Explore this impactful cover story to understand the hidden dangers of airborne microplastics and their implications for health and the environment through their article – Determination of mass concentrations of airborne PET microplastics using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)