COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PASSIVE AND PERSONAL SAMPLING FOR AIRBORNE MICROPLASTICS IN A PLASTIC MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Dewika Munisamy; Muhammad Fadhirul Anuar Mohd Azami; Ammar Remli; Nor Ruwaida Jamian; Sara Yasina Yusuf; Mohammad Khalid

Dewika Munisamy School of American Education, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia.
Muhammad Fadhirul Anuar Mohd Azami School of American Education, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia.
Ammar Remli School of American Education, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia.
Nor Ruwaida Jamian Air Resources Research Laboratory, Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology, 54100 UTM Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sara Yasina Yusuf Faculty of Civil Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis, Malaysia.
Mohammad Khalid Sunway Centre for Electrochemical Energy and Sustainable Technology (SCEEST), Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Jalan University, No. 5, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Keywords: Microplastics, occupational exposure, micro-raman spectroscopy, inhalation risk

Abstract

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in indoor air has emerged as a pressing occupational health concern, particularly in plastic manufacturing environments, where airborne exposure is elevated due to direct handling and processing of polymeric materials. This study presents a cross-sectional assessment of inhalable MPs within a plastic manufacturing facility in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, using both passive and personal air sampling techniques. Samples were analyzed for particle size, shape, and color using a stereomicroscope statistically evaluated using chi-square tests to determine associations between these characteristics and sampling methods. The results revealed a clear dominance of fibrous, small-sized (<500 µm), and transparent MPs, with passive sampling consistently capturing 2.74 times higher counts than personal sampling. Transparent and black particles were most associated with fibers and smaller sizes, suggesting enhanced airborne mobility and prolonged suspension. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) were observed across all variable pairings. Micro-Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polyethylene in the samples collected. These findings highlight the importance of targeted mitigation strategies, including engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and environmental monitoring, to reduce occupational exposure and potential respiratory health risks. This study provides critical empirical data to support policy development and workplace safety interventions in the plastic manufacturing sector, particularly in developing regions.