A new study involving 109 countries, conducted by researchers at Cornell University, has revealed which populations are most exposed to the absorption of microplastics. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, relies on existing data models to estimate the amount of microplastics that humans unknowingly ingest and inhale due to the degradation and spread of untreated plastic waste in the environment.
The researchers considered the eating habits of each country, food processing techniques, age demographics, breathing rates, and other factors that influence the quantity of microplastics consumed by the residents of each area. Fengqi You, a professor of energy systems engineering at Cornell University, stated that comprehensive global mapping supports local efforts to mitigate pollution by promoting water quality monitoring and effective recycling of waste.
The study discusses eating habits, food processing techniques, age demographics, and breathing rates in each country, all of which contribute to the differences in how populations consume microplastics. The research indicates that individuals living in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines top the global list for per capita dietary absorption of microplastics, while China, Mongolia, and the United Kingdom rank highest in terms of breathing and unintentionally ingesting microplastics.
Overall, the study revealed that Malaysia and Indonesia are the countries consuming the largest amounts of microplastics monthly, approximately 15 grams, more than any other country, with the majority of plastic particles originating from aquatic sources such as seafood. The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos are also among the ten countries consuming the most microplastics monthly, while countries like Paraguay, Pakistan, Syria, Bolivia, and Venezuela have the lowest consumption rates.
Conversely, Mongolia and China lead in the number of microplastic particles inhaled, with more than 2.8 million particles per month. Residents of the United States inhale about 300,000 particles monthly, while Mediterranean countries and neighboring areas breathe in less, such as Spain, Portugal, and Hungary, which inhale between 60,000 to 240,000 particles monthly.
