Kushani Perera

Griffith University

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Trends

Author Order

Document Type

Co-Authors

Shima Ziajahromi

Griffith University

Frédéric D.L. Leusch

Griffith University

Susan Bengtson Nash

Griffith University

Peta A. Neale

Griffith University

Hsuan-Cheng Lu

Griffith University

Cooperative Institutions

Griffith University

Southport College

Shahid Beheshti University

RMIT University

University of Florida

Southern California Coastal Water Research Project

Australian Water Quality Centre

Scion

Queensland Health

Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Field

Analysis of the literature shows a remarkably consistent relationship between size and abundance of microplastics across different environmental matrices

Environmental Pollution (2022)

Frédéric D.L. Leusch Hsuan-Cheng Lu Kushani Perera Peta A. Neale Shima Ziajahromi

10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120984

Cite

Citations (25)

Microplastics in Australian indoor air: Abundance, characteristics, and implications for human exposure

The Science of The Total Environment (2023)

Kushani Perera Shima Ziajahromi Susan Bengtson Nash Frédéric D.L. Leusch

Studies on airborne microplastics (AMPs) have reported higher abundance of AMPs in indoor air compared to outdoors. Most people spend more time indoors compared to outdoors, and it is therefore important to identify and quantify AMPs in indoor air to understand human exposure to AMPs. This exposure can vary among different individuals as they spend their time in different locations and different activity levels, and thus experience different breathing rates. In this study, AMPs ranging from 20 to 5000 μm were sampled across different indoor sites of Southeast Queensland using an active sampling technique. The highest indoor MP concentration was observed at the childcare site (2.25 ± 0.38 particles/m3), followed by an office (1.20 ± 0.14 particles/m3) and a school (1.03 ± 0.40 particles/m3). The lowest indoor MP concentration was observed inside the vehicle (0.20 ± 0.14 particles/m3), comparable to outdoor concentrations. The only shapes observed were fibers (98 %) and fragments. MP fibers ranged from 71 to 4950 μm in length. Polyethylene terephthalate was the prominent polymer type at most sites. Using our measured airborne concentrations as inhaled air concentrations, we calculated the annual human exposure levels to AMPs using scenario-specific activity levels. Males between the ages of 18 to 64 were calculated to have the highest AMP exposure at 3187 ± 594 particles/year, followed by males ≥65 years at 2978 ± 628 particles/year. The lowest exposure of 1928 ± 549 was calculated for females between the ages of 5 to 17. This study provides the first report on AMPs for various types of indoor locations where individuals spend most of their time. Considering acute, chronic, industrial, and individual susceptibility, more detailed human inhalation exposure levels to AMPs should be estimated for a realistic appraisal of the human health risk, including how much of the inhaled particles are exhaled. Limited research exists on the occurrence and the associated human exposure levels to AMPs in indoor locations where people spend most of their time. This study reports on the occurrence of AMPs at indoor locations and associated exposure levels using scenario-specific activity levels.

10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164292

Cite

Citations (56)

Evaluating the retention of airborne microplastics on plant leaf: Influence of leaf morphology

Environmental Pollution (2024)

Kushani Perera Shima Ziajahromi Susan Bengtson Nash Frédéric D.L. Leusch

Airborne microplastics (AMPs) have been identified in both indoor and outdoor environments and account for a large portion of an individual's daily exposure to microplastics. Thus, it is crucial to find effective methods to capture and control the levels of AMPs and ultimately reduce human exposure. While terrestrial plants have been recognized for their effectiveness in capturing airborne particles, little is known about their ability to capture AMPs. This study investigated the ability of 8 natural plant species and 2 artificial plants to capture AMPs, as well as the influence of leaf morphology on this retention. Plant leaves were exposed to AMPs for two weeks, and deposited MPs were characterized using a Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (μ-FTIR). Selected cleaned leaves were further digested, and the presence of subsurface MPs was confirmed using μ-Raman. Results revealed that AMPs were retained on the leaves of all selected plant species at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.87 n/cm2. The highest average concentration was observed on an artificial plant with fenestrated leaves, followed by natural plant species with trichomes and leaflets. The lowest concentration was observed on a natural plant with smooth leaves. The majority (90%) of retained AMPs were fibres, and the remaining were fragments. PET was the prominent polymer type. Additionally, MP fragments were observed in the leaf subsurface in one selected species, likely retained within the leaf cuticles. The results suggest that plant leaves can indiscriminately retain AMPs on their surfaces and act as temporary sinks for AMPs. Additionally, indoor plants may provide a useful functional role in reducing indoor AMP concentrations, although longer-term studies are needed to ascertain their retention capacity more accurately over time and to evaluate the capability of indoor plants to act as a suitable, cost-effective candidate for reducing AMPs.

Trichome

Terrestrial plant

10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123673

Cite

Citations (6)