Adchaya Apputhurai (BSc Environmental Science) joins us to discuss her dissertation "A sparkling problem in our aquatic environments: A study on glitter pollution".

Despite being a prevalent microplastic of a highly complex structure, glitter is overlooked as a pollutant. This study links particle size, short-term biological impact, and sediment transport for red PET glitter. The commercially available glitter was split into three size fractions, then Artemia sp. were exposed to these for 72 hours and mobility was quantified in a sediment column experiment that simulated episodic rainfall. The results show that fine particle glitters are persistent, mobile, and carry potential for physical harm to organisms, making their exposure risk greater. It is argued that glitter should be explicitly considered in microplastic regulation and monitoring frameworks, whilst also bringing more awareness to the public about its harm. Consumers are encouraged to make active choices when buying items including glitter to prevent pollution of sensitive aquatic environments. 

Episode guest: Adchaya Apputhurai, BSc Environmental Science

Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp 

Episode producer and editor: Jack Dinham