Sorptive Properties of Microplastics Extracted from Cosmetics

Abstract

Microplastics from cosmetics, also known as "microbeads," have been classified as a contaminant of emerging concern and are a global threat to aquatic ecosystems. After usage, these microplastics are flushed into the wastewater system, likely evade filtration, and are ultimately released to the aquatic environment in treated effluent discharge. Wastewater is likely a major pathway for microplastics to enter the aquatic environment, be transported over long distances, persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in food webs, and endanger human health. This chapter provides an overview of microplastics extracted from cosmetics, their pathways to wastewater and the aquatic environment along with their pollutant sorption properties. Sorptive properties of microplastics extracted from cosmetics primarily involve physisorption between microplastic surfaces and hydrophobic