Occurrence of Microplastics in PM10 Airborne Particulate Matter in Kraków, Poland

Airborne microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as emerging atmospheric contaminants with potential implications for environmental and human health. While their presence has been documented in various urban and remote regions worldwide, data from Central Europe remain scarce. This study focuses on the occurrence of microplastics within PM10 particulate matter collected in Kraków, Poland, a city characterized by complex emission sources and persistent air quality challenges. Preliminary observations indicate that microplastic particles, can be present as a component of airborne PM10. Their atmospheric presence suggests multiple emission pathways, including traffic-related abrasion, textile fiber release, and resuspension from urban surfaces. Understanding the occurrence and distribution of MPs in urban air is essential for assessing exposure scenarios and identifying research gaps related to inhalation risks. These findings underscore the need for further monitoring efforts and interdisciplinary research on airborne microplastics in densely populated environments.