Metal and metalloid content, bioavailability and sorption processes in glitter and raw glitter materials and associations with human and ecological risk concerns

Abstract

Background: Microplastics comprise a significant group of emerging environmental contaminants with the capacity to adsorb several contaminants. These, in turn, undergo bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes throughout aquatic trophic chains.

Methods: Glitter, a microplastic powder composed of a combination of polymers, and raw glitter materials were investigated herein concerning metal and metalloid content, bioavailability, and sorption processes by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Results: Metal and metalloid concentrations were higher in glitter than in raw glitter materials, but all were below the limits established by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency. Elements present in glitter originate mainly from pigments and, thus, depend on glitter color. The bioavailability of the determined elements concerning human skin was assessed. Low desorbed concentrations in solution indicate that glitter does not represent a health risk through dermal contact concerning metal and metalloid contamination. However, several elements were shown to undergo significant desorption and adsorption processes.

Conclusion: The findings reported herein indicate seemingly low human health risks from dermal glitter contact but reinforce glitter risks as aquatic environment metal and metalloid transport vectors.

Keywords: Cosmetics; Dermal contact; Metals and metalloids; Microplastics; Polyethylene and Polyvinyl chloride.