Analysis of Microplastic Content in Ambient Air in the Campus Area (Case Study: Mendalo Campus, Jambi University)
Keywords:
microplastics, ambient air, abundance, campus environment, environmental pollution, TSP, HVASAbstract
Background: Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, including contamination in ambient air, where air quality is an important indicator of environmental health. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in ambient air at the Mendalo Campus, Universitas Jambi. Methods: Ambient air was sampled using a High Volume Air Sampler with a gravimetric approach at three locations representing different campus activities: the campus backwoods area, the main campus gate, and the campus waste disposal site. Microplastics were identified based on shape, color, size, and polymer-related characteristics using microscopic observation. Results: All sampling points were positive for airborne microplastic contamination. Microplastic abundance varied among locations, with the highest value observed at the waste disposal site, reaching 228.709 particles/g, while other values included 91.304 particles/g, 85.432 particles/g, 33.307 particles/g, 21.498 particles/g, and 20.009 particles/g. Fiber was the dominant form, followed by film and fragment. Conclusion: The Mendalo Campus environment is exposed to airborne microplastic deposition; therefore, improved plastic waste management and campus-based emission mitigation are required.
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