Exploration of microplastics from personal care and cosmetic products and its estimated emissions to marine environment: An evidence from Malaysia. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Praveena, Sarva Mangala; Shaifuddin, Siti Norashikin Mohamad; Akizuki, Shinichi
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 136(2018)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Personal care and cosmetic products -- Microplastics -- Microbeads -- Emission -- Marine environment; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims understand microplastics from personal care and cosmetic products in Malaysia via quantification and characterization of microplastics together with emission estimation to marine environment. A total of 214 respondents from all over Malaysia were surveyed with identification of top ten personal care and cosmetic products usage. Particles found in facial cleaner/scrub and toothpaste were colored and colorless with majority of granular shapes. Particles in toothpaste were found between 3 and 145 μm while particles in facial cleaner/scrub were found to be between 10 and 178 μm, stipulating the presence of microplastics. Plastic polymers (LDPE and polypropylene) were found in all facial cleaner/scrub samples while only plastic polymers (LDPE) were present in toothpaste sample G. A total of 0.199 trillion microplastics are expected to be released annually to marine environment in Malaysia. Personal care and cosmetic products are seen as one of the microplastics sources for Malaysia and worldwide. Highlights: Microplastics in personal care products are washed and transported directly to WWTP. Particles were revealed to be colored and colorless in toothpaste and facial cleaner/scrub. Particle size ranged from 3 to 178 μm for toothpaste and facial cleaner/scrub. Toothpaste and facial cleaner/scrub (A–E) products contain LDPE and polypropylene. A total of 0.199 trillion microplastics is estimated to be emitted annually in Malaysia.