Publications by authors named "Gabriel M Ferraz"
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated microplastic (MP) concentrations in the atmosphere at Alvaro Guião School in São Carlos, Brazil, from 2021 to 2022, finding significant levels both outdoors and indoors.
- The predominant type of MP detected was fragments, with polyester being the top component, and indoor fiber concentrations were notably higher during the dry season due to factors like clothing and ventilation.
- This research highlights the presence of plastic pollution in environments frequented by children, emphasizing the need for guidelines to assess acceptable levels of microplastics in the air.
Brazil maintains its position at the top of the global ranking of plastic producers, yet recycling efforts have been incipient. Recent data reveals an annual production of approximately 14 million tons of plastic waste, not accounting for the surge in the usage of plastic masks and related materials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, what remains largely unreported is that over half of post-consumer plastic packaging in Brazil is managed without any monitoring, and it remains unclear how this will contribute to the occurrence of plastic waste and microplastics in Brazilian freshwaters.
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