By Federico Fassetta, student of Engineering in Agrobiotechnology, UNSAM.

What’s it?

Microplastics (MP) are polymeric particles smaller than 5 millimetres. They could be generated by progressive erosion of larger plastic waste (1). They are also widely used as additives in cosmetics products. PM have a varied chemical composition. Most frequently found under the name of Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Nylon (PA), Polyurethane, Acrylates Copolymer, Polybutylene terephthalate and Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer (1).

Where can they be found?

Products with MP include toothpastes, shampoos, creams, deodorants, nail polishes and baby products, among others. In some cases, MP could exceed 90% of product formulation. Depending on the size of the polymer, its composition, type and shape, MP can perform extensive functions including viscosity regulator, emulsifier, film former, opacifying agent, glitter, exfoliant, abrasive and supporter for delivering fragrances, insect repellents, oils and vitamins (1). Not surprisingly, our daily consumption of these polymers goes far beyond imagination.

Are they dangerous?

Although the impact of these polymers in isolation on human health is still controversial, their ability to absorb other toxins is considered a major threat (2)(3). Their absorption capacity is ideal for spreading contaminants along the food chain, reaching humans directly or indirectly (3). In addition, MP impact on environment is a major reason of concern. It is proven that MP have a negative influence on aquatic organisms reproduction, such as oysters (4).

How to avoid them?

In many products, MP are present as exfoliating microspheres. However, substitutes exist that are capable of delivering same functions and are also biodegradable. Some examples are cellulose microspheres, almonds and sugar (1).

Did you know?

MP has been found in table salt, tap water and bottled water. In 2020, a species of amphipod was first called as Eurythenes “plasticus” due to PET plastic microfibres found in its stomach(5). Considering that this species inhabits in depths of 6010–6949 metres below sea level, this finding clearly states the impact of human activity on marine life. It is estimated that consumption of MP in humans is approximately 30,000 to 52,000 MP per year, without considering the MP particles incorporated through the respiratory system (3)(6). The amount of MP in the oceans is also alarming. Based on an study carried out by the National Oceanographic Centre of the United Kingdom, MP reach approximately 21 million tonnes in the Atlantic Ocean alone (7).

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Bibliography

[1] Leslie, H. A. (2014). Review of microplastics in cosmetics. IVM Institute for Environmental Studies, 476, 1–33.

[2] Microplásticos: Amenaza invisible de los mares. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.conicet.gov.ar/microplasticos-amenaza-invisible-de-los-mares/

[3] Reports, C. (2019, October 07). You’re literally eating microplastics. How you can cut down exposure to them. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/youre-literally-eating-microplastics-how-you-can-cut-down-exposure-to-them/2019/10/04/22ebdfb6-e17a-11e9-8dc8-498eabc129a0_story.html

[4] Sussarellu, R., Suquet, M., Thomas, Y., Lambert, C., Fabioux, C., Pernet, M. E. J., … & Corporeau, C. (2016). Oyster reproduction is affected by exposure to polystyrene microplastics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(9), 2430–2435.

[5] Weston, J. N., Carrillo-Barragan, P., Linley, T. D., Reid, W. D., & Jamieson, A. J. (2020). New species of Eurythenes from hadal depths of the Mariana Trench, Pacific Ocean (Crustacea: Amphipoda). Zootaxa, 4748(1), 163–181.

[6] Quenqua, D. (2018, October 22). Microplastics Find Their Way Into Your Gut, a Pilot Study Finds. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/health/microplastics-human-stool.html?auth=link-dismiss-google1tap+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalgeographic.com%2Fenvironment%2F2019%2F06%2Fyou-eat-thousands-of-bits-of-plastic-every-year%2F

[7]Gill, V. (2020, August 18). Microplastic in Atlantic Ocean ‘could weigh 21 million tonnes’. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53786555