Introduction
Throughout the world, millions of tons of plastic are produced annually and used in countless ways, from packaging to exfoliants in cosmetics (REF). Plastic’s wide popularity stems from its desirable properties, such as being aesthetically pleasing and cost effective. Much of the plastic on the market consists of disposable, one-time-use items. Discarded plastic then accumulates in the environment; so far many studies have shown that plastic accumulates in marine ecosystems (Capenter et al., 1972, Thompson et al., 2004, Browne et al., 2011, Derraik, 2006) and freshwater systems (Eriksen et al., 2013, Free et al., 2014, Corcoran, 2008). Typically, classification of plastic debris occurs in two ways 1) primary or debris in manufactured form (i.e. microbeads used as exfoliants in cosmetic products, bottle caps, and cigarette filters) or 2) secondary, plastic derived from primary debris, (i.e. degradation products produced by photodegradation and abrasion) (Driedger et al., 2015). …show more content…
Microplastic, defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as particles <5mm in size (REF), poses an added threat to the environment. It has been shown that microplastic will adsorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) where levels become highly concentrated due to large surface area (Rios et al., 2010, other citations). Potential exists for chemicals added to plastic during the manufacturing process, such as phthalates, antioxidants, flame retardants and dyes to leach into the environment (citation). Both the chemicals sorbing onto the plastic and leaching from it are possible endocrine disruptors and are
Throughout the world, millions of tons of plastic are produced annually and used in countless ways, from packaging to exfoliants in cosmetics (REF). Plastic’s wide popularity stems from its desirable properties, such as being aesthetically pleasing and cost effective. Much of the plastic on the market consists of disposable, one-time-use items. Discarded plastic then accumulates in the environment; so far many studies have shown that plastic accumulates in marine ecosystems (Capenter et al., 1972, Thompson et al., 2004, Browne et al., 2011, Derraik, 2006) and freshwater systems (Eriksen et al., 2013, Free et al., 2014, Corcoran, 2008). Typically, classification of plastic debris occurs in two ways 1) primary or debris in manufactured form (i.e. microbeads used as exfoliants in cosmetic products, bottle caps, and cigarette filters) or 2) secondary, plastic derived from primary debris, (i.e. degradation products produced by photodegradation and abrasion) (Driedger et al., 2015). …show more content…
Microplastic, defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as particles <5mm in size (REF), poses an added threat to the environment. It has been shown that microplastic will adsorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) where levels become highly concentrated due to large surface area (Rios et al., 2010, other citations). Potential exists for chemicals added to plastic during the manufacturing process, such as phthalates, antioxidants, flame retardants and dyes to leach into the environment (citation). Both the chemicals sorbing onto the plastic and leaching from it are possible endocrine disruptors and are