Microplastics detection in some cosmetic samples by accelerated solvent extraction and Micro-FTIR.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microplastic pollution is a global concern impacting ecosystems and human health.
• Standardized analytical methods are crucial for reliable microplastic assessment.
• Regulations on intentionally added and unintentionally released microplastics necessitate robust detection techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an analytical method for determining microbeads and microparticles in cosmetic products.
• To address the need for precise quantification of microplastics in complex matrices like creams.
• To support regulatory compliance and consumer safety regarding microplastic content in cosmetics.

Main Methods:

• Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) to isolate microplastics from the cosmetic matrix.
• Filtration of the extract onto silicon membranes for micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy.
• Filtration onto glass fiber membranes for gravimetric analysis.
• Quali-quantitative analysis using micro-FTIR for identification and characterization.
• Gravimetric analysis for overall mass determination.

Main Results:

• The developed method demonstrated a good recovery percentage for microplastics.
• The method is effective for determining microplastics at a theoretical concentration of 0.025% (w/w).
• Combined gravimetric and micro-FTIR analyses provide reliable and confident results.

Conclusions:

• The developed analytical method offers a reliable approach for microplastic determination in cosmetic samples.
• The combination of extraction, filtration, gravimetry, and micro-FTIR ensures accurate identification and quantification.
• This method contributes to objective assessment of microplastic pollution in consumer products.