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Analysis of microbeads in cosmetic products in the United Arab Emirates
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Researchers analyzed 37 facial and body scrubs sold in the United Arab Emirates and found that only 11 contained microplastic particles, while the remainder used natural alternatives such as microcrystalline cellulose and crushed walnut shells.
The microparticle content of 37 common facial and body scrubs commercially available in the United Arab Emirates was analyzed. The chemical composition, ash content, physical characteristics, loading, particle size and shape of the microparticles were determined. Only 11 out of 37 products were found to have microplastic content. Many of the remaining products exhibited microparticles composed of microcrystalline cellulose and crushed walnut shells. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that microplastic products had softening points as low as 84 °C. Plastic microbeads of 2 products were found to fuse at 100 °C. The fusion altered the flotation characteristics of the microbeads of one product. Heat treatment of the product at 100 °C in the presence of silica gel led to entrainment of the silica and partial fragmentation of the beads upon cooling. This may be understood as one mechanism of fragmentation of a microplastic with a low softening point in the presence of hard soil particles under temperature cycling.
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Quantification and characterization of microplastic originating in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Researchers monitored microplastic content in face washes and body scrubs sold in Abu Dhabi from 2019 to 2021, finding that the percentage of products containing microplastics dropped from 30% to 12% over this period, likely due to regulatory pressure. Cutting boards used by local butchers were also identified as a previously unreported source of microplastic contamination in meat.
Trends of microplastic abundance in personal care products in the United Arab Emirates over the period of 3 years (2018–2020)
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Analysis of 163 personal care products sampled from UAE markets in 2019-2020 found a modest decline in microplastic-containing products compared to a 2018 baseline, suggesting that regulatory pressure and voluntary industry reformulations have begun reducing microbead use. Polyethylene remained the dominant microbead polymer, though several new synthetic polymers appeared in newer formulations.
Evaluating alternatives to plastic microbeads in cosmetics
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Researchers used life cycle assessment to compare environmental impacts of potential alternatives to plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, finding that while some substitutes offer genuine benefits, others could introduce new environmental and human health risks that may offset the gains from microbead bans.
Analysis of the Solid Contents of Toothpastes Available in UAE (United Arab Emirates) Markets
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Researchers analyzed solid contents of 33 toothpastes from UAE markets using FT-IR and EDS, finding no plastic microbeads — only silica and calcium carbonate as primary abrasives — indicating that toothpastes in the UAE are no longer a significant source of microplastic pollution.
Assessment of microplastic release from facial and body scrubs in aquatic ecosystems
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Researchers analyzed six popular face and body scrub products and found an average of nearly 300 microplastic particles per gram, predominantly made of polyethylene in irregular shapes, estimating that significant quantities of these particles are released into waterways through wastewater treatment systems with each use.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.