Microplastics (b5 mm) have been discovered in fresh and saltwater ecosystems, sediments, and wastewater
effluent around the world. Their ability to persist and accumulate up food chains should be a concern as
research is still experimenting with techniques to assess their long-term effects on the environment. I sought
to characterize the microbeads found in facial exfoliating cleansers so as to better understand how to reduce
this source of pollution through consumer use and wastewater treatment solutions. By sampling products
from national-grossing cosmetic personal care brands, I was able to gather information on the size, color, volume,
mass, and concentration of polyethylene beads in the cleansers. From that data, I modeled onto a consumer
survey the estimated volume of microplastics entering a wastewater stream. Through inquiry, I learned the
practices of two local wastewater treatment facilities. My findings show that consumer decisions and treatment
protocols both play crucial parts in minimizing microplastic pollution.