Sources Explanation List

Cosmetics Microplastics

intentionally added

in the production of

cosmetic products

that are often washed

directly into

sewerage systems.

Road Tyres Microplastics

generated from the

wearing of tyres from

cars, lorries, buses

and motorcycles.

credit: www.boomerangalliance.org.au

Clothing and

textiles

Fibres from synthetic

clothing releasing

during washing and

discharged directly to

the sewerage system.

credit: Eunomia

Detergents/

cleaning

products

Microplastics

intentionally added

into detergent

products during

manufacture that are

often washed directly

into sewerage

systems.

credit: www.boomerangalliance.org.au

Road Paint Paint used to create

road markings which

is worn away during

use with the potential

enter storm drains.

credit: https://pixabay.com/en/road-marking-road-roads-462621/

Marine Paints Paints used to protect

ships and boats

which can be spilt

directly into the

waterways during

application or worn

off during use.

credit: https://pixabay.com/en/boat-repair-maintenance-vessel-573541/

Building

Paints

Paint used to protect

buildings which is

worn/weathered

away during use.

Microplastics

(“Microspheres”) are

also known to be

intentionally added

to some building

paint products.

credit: https://pixabay.com/en/peeling-paint-texture-old-building-1216805/

Pre-

production

Plastic Pellets

The raw material

used in the

production of plastic

products which can

be spilled and lost

during manufacture

and transportation.

Artificial

Sports Turf

Microplastics (small,

usually black

particles) used on the

surface of an

artificial sports pitch

to provide shock

absorption and

prevent injury that

can be transported

away from the pitch

by players and

adverse weather.

credit: Eunomia

Fishing nets

and related

equipment

Commercial fishing

gear wearing from

abrasion during use

to form microplastic

pollution directly

into the ocean.

credit: https://pixabay.com/en/fishing-net-fish-green-fishing-sea-1583687/

Agricultural

Mulch Films

Plastic films used to

protect plants as they

grow in fields.

credit: F. Kesselring, FKuR Willich

Industrial

Abrasives

Plastic media used in

place of sand blasting

as an abrasives for

removing paints and

cleaning (usually)

metal surfaces.

credit: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/paint-body/0409cr-blast/