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Fluorescence Microscopy and FTIR-Based Analysis of Microplastics in Facial Personal Care Products
Ayesha Asad1, Sadia Nazir1, Abida Kausar1
1Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Abstract:
The existence of microplastics in the environment is currently a significant worldwide concern. Microbeads found in personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) are one of the primary sources of microplastics, which pose a threat to human health and the environment. This study was designed to detect microplastics in a popular PCCP (facial scrub and face wash). Twenty products (10 facial scrubs and 10 face washes) were analyzed using Rhodamine B staining prepared in ethanol, distilled water, and acetone, followed by fluorescence microscopy. All samples tested positive for the presence of microplastics. The observed microplastics displayed orange, red, and green fluorescence and varied in shape, with most appearing irregular and fragmented. One- way ANOVA (F = 31.87, p = 0.0001) demonstrated that there was statistical difference between these solvents and ethanol (11.40 ± 5.03) provided the most effective staining results. FTIR analysis further confirmed that polystyrene and polyurethane as the most common polymers in facial scrubs, while ethylene-propylene copolymer and polystyrene were predominant in face washes. Additional polymers, including polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, were also detected in some samples. This research highlights the occurrence of microplastics in facial scrubs and face washes and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and stronger regulatory measures to limit their use in cosmetic formulations.
Insights
Microplastics are prevalent in personal care products like facial scrubs and face washes. This study detected various microplastic polymers, highlighting the need for regulatory action to reduce environmental contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastics are a global environmental concern, with microbeads from personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) being a significant source.
- These microplastics pose risks to both human health and ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and identify microplastics in popular facial scrubs and face washes.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different solvents for microplastic staining.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 20 PCCPs (10 facial scrubs, 10 face washes) using Rhodamine B staining and fluorescence microscopy.
- Solvent effectiveness was compared using one-way ANOVA.
- Polymer identification was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- All analyzed PCCPs tested positive for microplastics, which exhibited varied fluorescence and irregular shapes.
- Ethanol proved to be the most effective staining solvent.
- Common polymers identified included polystyrene, polyurethane, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Conclusions:
- Facial scrubs and face washes contain a variety of microplastics.
- Increased awareness and stricter regulations are necessary to mitigate microplastic pollution from cosmetic products.
