Release of primary microplastics from consumer products to wastewater in the Netherlands

The authors estimate the release of primary microplastics from consumer productscosmetics and personal care products, cleaning agents, and paint and coatingsvia sewage effluent as an expected relevant route to the marine environment. Total estimated concentrations in the 3 scenarios are 0.2g/L, 2.7g/L, and 66g/L in sewage-treatment plant (STP) effluent, respectively. All product categories relevantly contribute. Predicted concentrations are compared with reported actual concentrations in STP effluents. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1627-1631. (c) 2015 SETAC