Plastic has become one of the most widely used materials since its invention as a phenol-formaldehyde resin. It was originally created to make life easier, but today it poses a serious threat to the environment and human health [1]. In recent decades, the increasing use of synthetic polymers in various industries has led to a rise in microplastic pollution in the air. These tiny particles, often smaller than 5 millimeters, come from different sources. Primary microplastics, like microbeads in personal care products, and secondary microplastics, which form when larger plastic items break down, spread through the atmosphere. Once in the air, they can travel long distances and pose risks to both the environment and human health [2]. It is important to analyze microplastic particles in the indoor air, since about 90 % of our time is spent indoors [3]. Not only that, microplastic particles concentrations are 1.8 times larger compared to outdoor air [4].
In this study indoor microplastic particles were collected by teachers using 5,5 cm paper filter left out in the school premises for a week. In the laboratory paper filters are washed with filtered distilled water. Samples then go through chemical processing with concentrated hydrogen peroxide for 24h and concentrated hydrochloric acid for 1h. For separating microplastics from denser impurities such as dirt or sand, zinc chloride solution is used for 1h. After chemical processing samples are transferred to fiberglass filter for optical analysis and aluminum dioxide filter for chemical composition using FTIR spectroscopy.
This study aims to analyze microplastic particles found in the air across Lithuania schools’ premises, focusing on their size, color, shape, and chemical composition. This research will help expand knowledge about microplastic contamination in the air and its potential negative effects. We would like to thank the schools, teachers, and students who helped to collect data on indoor microplastic particles in Lithuanian school’s premises