Research Projects

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny, heterogeneous polymer particles with various sizes, shapes, and colors. They are a significant pollutant of international concern and are abundant in the environment. Due to their small size and low density, MPs can be transported through the atmospheric pathway and remain suspended for extended periods, allowing long-distance transport and interaction with toxic substances. Recent evidence suggests that airborne MP/NPs could cause significant health effects, especially respiratory diseases in humans and animals. MP/NPs abundance in the atmosphere can be influenced by various anthropogenic activities, including domestic and agricultural activities, tire wear and tear, plastic waste disposal, and industrial emissions. However, quantitative data on microplastic concentration levels, polymer type, size distribution, and exposure levels to humans and animals have not been identified. Most MP studies have focused on marine and terrestrial hazards, but few have investigated MPs in the atmosphere in urban and rural areas. In India, there is a lack of research evidence to justify the concentration and nature of MPs in the atmosphere. Therefore, a proposed study aims to identify MP pollution in a megacity and evaluate the toxic effects of MPs on the human respiratory system.