Quantification and characterization of microplastic originating in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The abundance of microplastic (MP) from three different sources was evaluated within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. MP in face wash and body scrubs available in the local markets o the Emirate of Abu Dhabi were monitored over a period of three years (2019 to 2021). It was found that the percentage of MP containing cosmetic products dropped from 30% (2019) to 12% (2021). Many of the MP containing products were imported goods. Surprisingly, plastic cutting boards were found to be a source of microplastic contamination in meat and the environment. For seven meat samples from three local butchers and supermarkets, an average 1.19±0.41 mg of MP per gram of meat were found. It was noted that about 50% of these MPs will wash down into the drain, enter the sewage system and reach wastewater treatment plants, rivaling the emission of MPs from cosmetics. Finally, MP in road dust and soil was also investigated. Microtires and fibers were the most abundantly present MP in the samples. On the average, 61.4 MP particles were found in per g of road dust and road soil in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and its environs.