Small scale and high impact: the leaching of hazardous elements from glitters
Abstract
). The highest metal mobilisation was observed under acidic and hydrophobic conditions, exceeding 90% for Cr, Cu and Ni. Although glitter represents a relatively small fraction of plastic waste, its small particle size, irregular shape, multilayered structure, and ability to release metals indicate that it may contribute to contamination and environmental risk in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The results also showed that natural alternatives cannot automatically be considered environmentally safe substitutes for plastic glitter.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Recycling and Waste Management Techniques
Heavy metals in environment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Environmental Science Processes & Impacts
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 2242–2255
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN