Microbeads are a subdivision of microplastics that are negatively affecting the environment. Manufacturers are using these plastic beads as exfoliates in their personal care products and this results in trillions of plastic particles flushed down the drain every day. This study focuses on the analysis and quantification of microbeads found in various commercial products and microbeads collected from local waterways and a waste water treatment plant in York, Pennsylvania. Analysis of the microbeads was conducted using FTIR spectroscopy to determine the polymers used in the production of the microbeads. FTIR spectra will be presented for each sample of microbeads from commercial products and from the various water samples. A quantitative investigation was completed to determine the total amount of microbeads contained in the commercial products and the water collected. Quantitative results for all samples and standards will be reported.

Analysis and quantification of microbeads in commercial products and the environment through FTIR spectroscopy

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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