Characterization of Microplastics in Total Atmospheric Deposition Sampling from Areas Surrounding Industrial Complexes in Northwestern Colombia

Joaquín Hernández-Fernández (), Esneyder Puello-Polo and Jorge Trilleras
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Joaquín Hernández-Fernández: Chemistry Program, Department of Natural and Exact Sciences, San Pablo Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia
Esneyder Puello-Polo: Grupo de Investigación en Oxi/Hidrotratamiento Catalítico y Nuevos Materiales, Programa de Química-Ciencias Básicas Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla 081007, Colombia
Jorge Trilleras: Grupo de Investigación en Compuestos Heterocíclicos, Programa de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia 081007, Colombia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 20, 1-8

Abstract: In this study, the total atmospheric deposition of microplastics in places near an industrial complex in Cartagena, Colombia is evaluated by taking samples at three points at different distances from the industrial zone. The samples obtained were treated to quantify and identify the type of plastic present, indicating the presence of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate. The values of microplastics obtained were related to the climatic conditions of the areas (wind and rainfall) to determine these effects on the transport of microplastics. Values of 9472 ± 702 MP were obtained at the point closest to the industrial area and 1455 ± 14 MP at the farthest point, within which a greater proportion were fibers. In this study, it was also possible to determine that the microplastics most affected by the wind were the fragments.

Keywords: microplastics; pollutions; polypropylene manufacturing; atmospheric pollutions; polymers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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