Abstract :

This research has investigated the presence and composition of microplastics in five popular toothpaste brands in India. Using a novel wet peroxide digestion method, the study successfully isolated and quantified microplastics in each brand, highlighting significant variations in concentration and polymer types. Sample S4 had the highest microplastic concentration (0.248 g/g) and the largest particle size (30 micrometers), while other brands exhibited lower levels. FTIR and AFM analyses identified multiple polymer types, including PET, PP, and PTFE, with sample S4 displaying complex surface topography, indicative of increased environmental interaction and pollutant absorption. One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in microplastic particle sizes across the brands. The study also performed principal component analysis (PCA), showing the intricate co-occurrence of polymers across samples, suggesting synergistic ecotoxicological effects. The results raise concerns about the potential health risks of daily exposure to microplastics through oral hygiene products, as well as the broader environmental implications, such as bioaccumulation in aquatic systems. The study calls for stricter regulation of microplastics in consumer products and further investigation into biodegradable alternatives.

---

Keywords :

Aquatic ecosystem, FTIR Analysis, Microplastics, plastic pollution, Toothpaste

---

References :

1. Ghosh S, Sinha JK, Ghosh S, Vashisth K, Han S, Bhaskar R. Microplastics as an emerging threat to the global environment and human health. Sustainability. 2023;15(14):10821. doi:10.3390/su151410821
2. Arthur C, Baker J, Bamford H. Proceedings of the International Research Workshop on the Occurrence, Effects and Fate of Microplastic Marine Debris [Internet]. NOAA Technical Memorandum; 2009. Available from: https://www.noaa.gov
3. Collignon A, Hecq JH, Galgani F, Collard F, Goffart A. Annual variation in neustonic micro- and meso-plastic particles and zooplankton in the Bay of Calvi (Mediterranean–Corsica). Mar Pollut Bull. 2014;79(1–2):293–8. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.11.023.
4. Beat the Microbead. International Campaign Against Plastic in Cosmetics – Beat the Microbead [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://www.beatthemicrobead.org/
5. Fendall LS, Sewell MA. Contributing to marine pollution by washing your face: Microplastics in facial cleansers. Mar Pollut Bull. 2009;58(8):1225–8. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.04.025.
6. Martu MA, Stoleriu S, Pasarin L, Tudorancea D, Sioustis IA, Taraboanta I, et al. Toothpastes composition and their role in oral cavity hygiene. Rom J Med Dent Educ. 2021;10:179–205.
7. Perschbacher E. History and Evolution of the Microbead | International Joint Commission [Internet]. 2016 Feb 22. Available from: https://ijc.org/en/history-and-evolution-microbead
8. Anderson AG, Grose J, Pahl S, Thompson RC, Wyles KJ. Microplastics in personal care products: Exploring perceptions of environmentalists, beauticians and students. Mar Pollut Bull. 2016;113(1–2):454–60. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.048.
9. Chengappa SK, Rao A, KSA, Jodalli PS, Shenoy Kudpi R. Microplastic content of over-the-counter toothpastes – A systematic review. F1000Res. 2023;12:390. doi:10.12688/f1000research.132035.1.
10. Ustabasi GS, Baysal A. Occurrence and risk assessment of microplastics from various toothpastes. Environ Monit Assess. 2019;191:438. doi:10.1007/s10661-019-7574-1.
11. Madhumitha CT, Karmegam N, Biruntha M, Arun A, Al Kheraif AA, Kim W, et al. Extraction, identification, and environmental risk assessment of microplastics in commercial toothpaste. Chemosphere. 2022;296:133976. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133976.
12. Masura J, Baker J, Foster G, Arthur C. Laboratory Methods for the Analysis of Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Recommendations for quantifying synthetic particles in waters and sediments. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS-OR&R-48; 2015.
13. Veerasingam S, Ranjani M, Venkatachalapathy R, Bagaev A, Mukhanov V, Litvinyuk D, et al. Contributions of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in microplastic pollution research: A review. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol. 2021;51(22):2681–743.
14. Sahu M, Reddy VRM, Kim B, Patro B, Park C, Kim WK, et al. Fabrication of Cu2ZnSnS4 light absorber using a cost-effective mechanochemical method for photovoltaic applications. Materials. 2022;15(5):1708.
15. Nandiyanto ABD, Oktiani R, Ragadhita R. How to read and interpret FTIR spectroscope of organic material. Indones J Sci Technol. 2019;4(1):97–118.
16. Chaukura N, Kefeni KK, Chikurunhe I, Nyambiya I, Gwenzi W, Moyo W, et al. Microplastics in the aquatic environment—The occurrence, sources, ecological impacts, fate, and remediation challenges. Pollutants. 2021;1:95–118. doi:10.3390/pollutants1020009.
17. Sarijan S, Azman S, Said MIM, Jamal MH. Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: A recent review of occurrence, analysis, potential impacts, and research needs. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2021;28:1341–56. doi:10.1007/s11356-020-11171-7.
18. Bhan C, Kumar N, Elangovan V. Microplastics pollution in the rivers, its source, and impact on aquatic life: A review. Int J Environ Sci Technol. 2024. doi:10.1007/s13762-024-05846-8.
19. Issac MN, Kandasubramanian B. Effect of microplastics in water and aquatic systems. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2021;28:19544–62. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-13184-2.
20. Mundra D. Here’s the analysis of toothpaste market in India [Internet]. Dental Tribune India. 2022. Available from: https://in.dental-tribune.com
21. Chandran T, Vishnu U, Warrier AK. Microplastics in dentistry—A review. In: Muthu SS, editor. Microplastic pollution. Singapore: Springer; 2021. doi:10.1007/978-981-16-0297-9_6.
22. Rossignolo G, Malucelli G, Lorenzetti A. Recycling of polyurethanes: Where we are and where we are going. Green Chem. 2024;26(3):1132–52. doi:10.1039/d3gc02091f.