Plastic microbeads: small yet mighty concerning

Miraj, Shaima S. Ali; Parveen, Naima; Zedan, Haya

doi:10.1080/09603123.2019.1689233

Cited by 39 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 95 publications

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“…This explains why microbeads were more abundant in sediment as opposed to surface water ( Figure 6). Apart from the presence of microbeads in personal hygiene products [77], microbeads are also used as media in air blasting to clean boats, amongst other uses [78]. Boat repairs are often done at the dry docks [18], directly opposite the mangrove forest at Durban Harbour, where air blasting was observed during the sampling period.…”

Section: Microplastic Typologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Characterising Microplastic Abundance, Typology and Retention in Mangrove-Dominated Estuaries

Govender

Naidoo

Rajkaran

et al. 2020

Water

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Plastic and, particularly, microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing research theme, dedicated largely to marine systems. Occurring at the land–sea interface, estuarine habitats such as mangroves are at risk of plastic pollution. This study compared MP pollution (level, morphotype, polymer composition, size and colour) across four South African estuaries, in relation to the built and natural environment. Mouth status, surrounding human population densities and land-use practices influenced the level and type of MP pollution. Systems that were most at risk were predominantly open estuaries surrounded by high population densities and diverse land use types. Microplastic levels and the diversity of types detected increased with increasing levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Overall, microfibres dominated in estuarine water (69%) and mangrove sediment (51%). Polyethylene (43%) and polypropylene (23%) were the dominant polymers overall. Weathered fishing gear, weathered packaging items and run-off from urban/industrial centres are probable sources of MP pollution . Increased run-off and river input during the wet/rainy season may explain the markedly higher MP loads in estuarine waters relative to the dry season. By contrast, MP deposition in mangrove sediment was higher during the dry season. Sediment MP abundance was significantly positively correlated with both pneumatophore density and sediment size (500–2000 µm). This study highlights the role of mangroves as MP sinks, which may limit movement of MPs into adjacent environments. However, under conditions such as flooding and extreme wave action, mangroves may shift from sinks to sources of plastic pollution.

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Section: Microplastic Typologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Characterising Microplastic Abundance, Typology and Retention in Mangrove-Dominated Estuaries

Govender

Naidoo

Rajkaran

et al. 2020

Water

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“…In all these products, plastic microbeads are used as a replacement for natural exfoliating compounds (apricot husks, oatmeal and pumice). Apart from the deep cleansing and dead skin removal functions, these microbeads also have a decorative and ornamental role in numerous personal-care products [86]. Due to the extremely small size, micro-plastic beads incorporated in cosmetic products are trapped in sewage treatment plants and enter into water streams through domestic drainage systems and are finally channeled into oceans and seas [87].…”

Section: Microplastic Particlesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics

2020

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Cosmetic products are used in large quantities across the world. An increasing number of chemical compounds are being added to the formulation of cosmetic products as additives, fragrances, preservatives, stabilizers, surfactants, dye and shine to potentiate their quality, property and shelf life. Owing to their widespread use, active residues of cosmetic products are continuously introduced into the environment in several ways. Many of these chemicals are bioactive and are characterized by potential bioaccumulation ability and environmental persistence, thus exerting a major risk to humans and the health of ecosystems. Hence, the indiscriminate consumption of cosmetics may present a looming issue with significant adverse impacts on public health. This review intends to spotlight a current overview of toxic ingredients used in formulating cosmetics such as parabens, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, 1,4-dioxane, plastic microbeads, formaldehyde, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, sunscreen elements (organic and inorganic UV filters) and trace metals. Specific focus is given to illustrate the biological risks of these substances on human health and aquatic system in terms of genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity mutagenicity, and estrogenicity. In addition to conclusive remarks, future directions are also suggested.

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“…Depending on the nutrient format—organic or inorganic compounds—this can be achieved in a number of ways, including via the use of polymeric 15 and inorganic 16 coatings and hydrophobic polymer matrices 17 or otherwise altering the susceptibility of particles to biological or chemical degradation. 18 However, the accumulation of microplastics in the oceans, 19 in wildlife, 20 and in agricultural crops 21 is causing growing concern, with recent discoveries of microplastics in human placentae. 22 As such, there is a renewed interest in the use of biodegradable polymer matrices as controlled release materials for the delivery of micronutrients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cellulose Acetate Microbeads for Controlled Delivery of Essential Micronutrients

Callaghan

Califano

Gomes³

et al. 2023

ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.

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The controlled delivery of micronutrients to soil and plants is essential to increase agricultural yields. However, this is today achieved using fossil fuel-derived plastic carriers, posing environmental risks and contributing to global carbon emissions. In this work, a novel and efficient way to prepare biodegradable zinc-impregnated cellulose acetate beads for use as controlled release fertilizers is presented. Cellulose acetate solutions in DMSO were dropped into aqueous antisolvent solutions of different zinc salts. The droplets underwent phase inversion, forming solid cellulose acetate beads containing zinc, as a function of zinc salt type and concentration. Even higher values of zinc uptake (up to 15.5%) were obtained when zinc acetate was added to the cellulose acetate–DMSO solution, prior to dropping in aqueous zinc salt antisolvent solutions. The release profile in water of the beads prepared using the different solvents was linked to the properties of the counter-ions via the Hofmeister series. Studies in soil showed the potential for longer release times, up to 130 days for zinc sulfate beads. These results, together with the efficient bead production method, demonstrate the potential of zinc-impregnated cellulose acetate beads to replace the plastic-based controlled delivery products used today, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and potential environmental impacts due to the uptake of plastic in plants and animals.

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Plastic microbeads: small yet mighty concerning

Cited by 39 publications

References 95 publications

Towards Characterising Microplastic Abundance, Typology and Retention in Mangrove-Dominated Estuaries

Towards Characterising Microplastic Abundance, Typology and Retention in Mangrove-Dominated Estuaries

The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics

Cellulose Acetate Microbeads for Controlled Delivery of Essential Micronutrients

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