DOCSLIB.ORG

Draft Scope of the Risk Evaluation for 1,3-Butadiene CASRN 106-99-0

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Draft Scope of the Risk Evaluation for 1,3-Butadiene CASRN 106-99-0 EPA Document# EPA-740-D-20-011 April 2020 United States Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Protection Agency Pollution Prevention Draft Scope of the Risk Evaluation for 1,3-Butadiene CASRN 106-99-0 April 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................................5 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................8 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................11 2 SCOPE OF THE EVALUATION ...................................................................................................11 2.1 Reasonably Available Information ..............................................................................................11 Search of Gray Literature ...................................................................................................... 12 Search of Literature from Publicly Available Databases (Peer-Reviewed Literature) .......... 13 Search of TSCA Submissions ................................................................................................ 17 2.2 Conditions of Use ........................................................................................................................18 Categories and Subcategories of Conditions of Use Included in the Scope of the Risk Evaluation .............................................................................................................................. 18 Activities Excluded from the Scope of the Risk Evaluation ................................................. 21 Production Volume ................................................................................................................ 21 Overview of Conditions of Use and Lifecycle Diagram ....................................................... 21 2.3 Exposures ....................................................................................................................................24 Physical and Chemical Properties ......................................................................................... 24 Environmental Fate and Transport ........................................................................................ 24 Releases to the Environment ................................................................................................. 24 Environmental Exposures ...................................................................................................... 26 Occupational Exposures ........................................................................................................ 26 Consumer Exposures ............................................................................................................. 27 General Population Exposures ............................................................................................... 27 2.4 Hazards (Effects) .........................................................................................................................28 Environmental Hazards ......................................................................................................... 28 Human Health Hazards .......................................................................................................... 28 2.5 Potentially Exposed or Susceptible Subpopulations ...................................................................28 2.6 Conceptual Models ......................................................................................................................29 Conceptual Model for Industrial and Commercial Activities and Uses ................................ 29 Conceptual Model for Consumer Activities and Uses .......................................................... 31 Conceptual Models for Environmental Releases and Wastes: Potential Exposures and Hazards (Regulatory Overlay) ............................................................................................... 33 2.6.3.1 Ambient Air Pathway ..................................................................................................... 35 2.6.3.2 Drinking Water Pathway ................................................................................................ 35 Conceptual Model for Environmental Releases and Wastes: Potential Exposures and Hazards .................................................................................................................................. 36 2.7 Analysis Plan ...............................................................................................................................38 Physical and Chemical Properties and Environmental Fate .................................................. 38 Exposure ................................................................................................................................ 39 2.7.2.1 Environmental Releases ................................................................................................. 39 2.7.2.2 Environmental Exposures ............................................................................................... 41 2.7.2.3 Occupational Exposures ................................................................................................. 42 2 2.7.2.4 Consumer Exposures ...................................................................................................... 44 2.7.2.5 General Population ......................................................................................................... 45 Hazards (Effects) ................................................................................................................... 47 2.7.3.1 Environmental Hazards .................................................................................................. 47 2.7.3.2 Human Health Hazards ................................................................................................... 48 Summary of Risk Approaches for Characterization .............................................................. 51 2.8 Peer Review .................................................................................................................................51 REFERENCES .........................................................................................................................................52 APPENDICES ..........................................................................................................................................62 LIST OF GRAY LITERATURE SOURCES ................................................................... 62 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF 1,3-BUTADIENE .......................... 65 ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND TRANSPORT PROPERTRIES ............................... 67 REGULATORY HISTORY ............................................................................................. 69 PROCESS, RELEASE AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE INFORMATION ......... 76 E.1.1 Manufacture (Including Import) .............................................................................................76 E.1.1.1 Domestic Manufacture ....................................................................................................76 E.1.1.2 Import ..............................................................................................................................78 E.1.2 Processing and Distribution ....................................................................................................78 E.1.2.1 Reactant or Intermediate ..................................................................................................78 E.1.2.2 Incorporated into a Formulation, Mixture or Reaction Product ......................................78 E.1.2.3 Incorporated into an Article .............................................................................................79 E.1.2.4 Repackaging ....................................................................................................................79 E.1.2.5 Recycling .........................................................................................................................79 E.1.3 Other Uses ..............................................................................................................................79 E.1.4 Disposal ..................................................................................................................................80 SUPPORTING INFORMATION – CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES AND USES ............................................................................................ 82 SUPPORTING INFORMATION – CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR CONSUMER ACTIVITIES AND USES ........................................................................................................................ 94 SUPPORTING INFORMATION – CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASES AND WASTES ................................................................................ 96 3 LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1. Results of Title Screening of Submissions to EPA Under Various Sections of TSCA .......... 18 Table 2-2. Categories and Subcategories of Conditions of Use Included in the Scope of the Risk Evaluation ........................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Trimethylacetic Formic Anhydride Precipitation from Ethanol and Diethyl Ether, M.P
    PDF hosted at the Radboud Repository of the Radboud University Nijmegen The following full text is a publisher's version. For additional information about this publication click this link. http://hdl.handle.net/2066/16408 Please be advised that this information was generated on 2021-09-24 and may be subject to change. 460 Edward J. Vlietsira et al. / Trimethylacetic formic anhydride precipitation from ethanol and diethyl ether, m.p. 240°C (dec.); Acknowledgements [a]5 5 —140° (c 1.0, water). MS: M* 700. We thank Mr. P. Kranenburg for valuable technical as­ N-(6,14-endo-Etheno-7,8-dihydromorphine-7ai-carbonyl)-L- sistance and Messrs. J. A. de Groot, L. J. M. Helvensteijn -phenylalanyl-L-leucinol (14) and E. F. Lameijer for carrying out preliminary experi­ The hydrochloride of 12 (1.63 g, 2.4 mmol) was converted into the ments. We are grateful to the Management of Diosynth base and dissolved in 30 ml of anhydrous 2-propanol. To this B. V., Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, for gifts of chemicals. solution, 1.5 g (15 mmol) of anhydrous calcium chloride and We thank the U.S.A. Committee on Problems of Drug 1.14 g (30 mmol) of sodium tetrahydroborate were added. The Dependence and Dr. A. E. Jacobson, Biological Coordi­ conversion was complete (TLC) after 6 days at 35°C. Water nator, for the results of the pharmacological studies. We (50 ml) was then added and the mixture acidified with 2 N hydro­ gen chloride to pH 2-3. Extraction with a mixture of chloroform are indebted to Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • An Assessment Report on Microplastics
    An Assessment Report on Microplastics This document was prepared by B Stevens, North Carolina Coastal Federation Table of Contents What are Microplastics? 2 Where Do Microplastics Come From? 3 Primary Sources 3 Secondary Sources 5 What are the Consequences of Microplastics? 7 Marine Ecosystem Health 7 Water Quality 8 Human Health 8 What Policies/Practices are in Place to Regulate Microplastics? 10 Regional Level 10 Outer Banks, North Carolina 10 Other United States Regions 12 State Level 13 Country Level 14 United States 14 Other Countries 15 International Level 16 Conventions 16 Suggested World Ban 17 International Campaigns 18 What Solutions Already Exist? 22 Washing Machine Additives 22 Faucet Filters 23 Advanced Wastewater Treatment 24 Plastic Alternatives 26 What Should Be Done? 27 Policy Recommendations for North Carolina 27 Campaign Strategy for the North Carolina Coastal Federation 27 References 29 1 What are Microplastics? The category of ‘plastics’ is an umbrella term used to describe synthetic polymers made from either fossil fuels (petroleum) or biomass (cellulose) that come in a variety of compositions and with varying characteristics. These polymers are then mixed with different chemical compounds known as additives to achieve desired properties for the plastic’s intended use (OceanCare, 2015). Plastics as litter in the oceans was first reported in the early 1970s and thus has been accumulating for at least four decades, although when first reported the subject drew little attention and scientific studies focused on entanglements, ‘ghost fishing’, and ingestion (Andrady, 2011). Today, about 60-90% of all marine litter is plastic-based (McCarthy, 2017), with the total amount of plastic waste in the oceans expected to increase as plastic consumption also increases and there remains a lack of adequate reduce, reuse, recycle, and waste management tactics across the globe (GreenFacts, 2013).
    [Show full text]
  • SIGMA-ALDRICH Sigma-Aldrich.Com Material Safety Data Sheet Version 5.0 Revision Date 12/13/2012 Print Date 12/10/2013
    SIGMA-ALDRICH sigma-aldrich.com Material Safety Data Sheet Version 5.0 Revision Date 12/13/2012 Print Date 12/10/2013 1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION Product name : PCB No 77 Product Number : 35496 Brand : Fluka Supplier : Sigma-Aldrich 3050 Spruce Street SAINT LOUIS MO 63103 USA Telephone : +1 800-325-5832 Fax : +1 800-325-5052 Emergency Phone # (For : (314) 776-6555 both supplier and manufacturer) Preparation Information : Sigma-Aldrich Corporation Product Safety - Americas Region 1-800-521-8956 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION Emergency Overview OSHA Hazards No known OSHA hazards GHS Classification Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 1) Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure (Category 2) Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1) Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 1) GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements Pictogram Signal word Danger Hazard statement(s) H300 Fatal if swallowed. H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Precautionary statement(s) P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P301 + P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician. P501 Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant. HMIS Classification Health hazard: 4 Flammability: 1 Physical hazards: 0 NFPA Rating Health hazard: 4 Fire: 1 Fluka - 35496 Page 1 of 7 Reactivity Hazard: 0 Potential Health Effects Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation. Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. May cause skin irritation. Eyes May cause eye irritation. Ingestion May be fatal if swallowed. 3. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS Synonyms : 3,3′,4,4′-PCB 3,3′,4,4′-Tetrachlorobiphenyl Formula : C12H6Cl4 Molecular Weight : 291.99 g/mol No ingredients are hazardous according to OHSA criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: a Guide for Homeowners, Homebuyers, Landlords and Tenants 2011
    CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: A Guide For Homeowners, Homebuyers, Landlords and Tenants 2011 This guide was originally developed by M. B. Gilbert Associates, under contract with the California Department of Real Estate in cooperation with the California Department of Health Services. The 2005 edition was prepared by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board and the California Department of Health Services, and meets all State and Federal guidelines and lead disclosure requirements pursuant to the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. The 2005 edition incorporates the Federal “Protect Your Family from Lead” pamphlet. The 2011 update was developed California Department of Toxic Substances Control. This booklet is offered for information purposes only, not as a reflection of the position of the administration of the State of California. Residential Environmental Hazards Booklet Page 1 of 48 January 2011 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 3 CHAPTER I ASBESTOS 3 CHAPTER II CARBON MONOXIDE 10 CHAPTER III FORMALDEHYDE 13 CHAPTER IV HAZARDOUS WASTE 17 CHAPTER V HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE 21 CHAPTER VI LEAD 24 CHAPTER VII MOLD 31 CHAPTER VIII RADON 36 APPENDIX A LIST OF FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES 42 APPENDIX B GLOSSARY 46 Residential Environmental Hazards Booklet Page 2 of 48 January 2011 Introduction The California Departments of Real Estate and Health Services originally prepared this booklet in response to the California legislative mandate (Chapter 969, Statutes of 1989, AB 983, Bane) to inform the homeowner and prospective homeowner about environmental hazards located on and affecting residential property.
    [Show full text]
  • Endocrine Disruption: Where Are We with Hazard and Risk Assessment? 2
    1 Title: Endocrine disruption: where are we with hazard and risk assessment? 2 3 Running head: Hazard and risk assessment of endocrine disrupters 4 Katherine Coady*†, Peter Matthiessen‡, Holly M. Zahner§1, Jane Staveleyǁ; Daniel J. Caldwell#; 5 Steven L. Levine††, Leon Earl Gray Jr‡‡, Christopher J. Borgert§§ 6 7 † The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA; 8 Telephone: 989-636-7423; Fax: 989-638-2425; e-mail: [email protected]; ‡Independent 9 Consultant, Llanwrtyd Wells, UK; e-mail: [email protected] ; § United States 10 Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Rockville, MD, USA; email: 11 [email protected] ; ǁExponent Inc., Cary, NC, USA; email: [email protected] ; 12 #Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; email [email protected] ; 13 ††Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO, USA;email [email protected]; ‡‡USEPA, 14 ORD, NHEERL, TAD, RTB. RTP, NC, USA; email: [email protected] ; §§Applied 15 Pharmacology and Toxicology, Inc., and, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, 16 University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; e-mail: [email protected] 17 1The views presented in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the Food and Drug 18 Administration 19 * Corresponding Author: 20 Katherine Coady 21 The Dow Chemical Company, 1803 Building, Washington Street, Midland MI, USA, 48674. 22 Email address: [email protected] PeerJ Preprints | https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.2580v1 | CC0 Open Access | rec: 4 Nov 2016, publ: 23 24 ABSTRACT 25 Approaches to assessing endocrine disruptors (EDs) differ across the globe, with some 26 regulatory environments using a hazard-based approach, while others employ risk-based 27 analyses.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Health Risk Associated with Persistent Organic Pollutants in Water
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Springer - Publisher Connector Environ Monit Assess (2013) 185:497–508 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2570-8 Assessment of health risk associated with persistent organic pollutants in water Adam Pawełczyk Received: 9 October 2011 /Accepted: 10 February 2012 /Published online: 6 March 2012 # The Author(s) 2012. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract This paper presents the results of analyses Keywords Environmental monitoring . Risk of water samples taken from water intakes supplying assessment . Polychlorinated biphenyls . one of the districts located near the city of Wrocław. Chloroorganic pesticides . Water pollution Surprisingly high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and chloroorganic pesticides, classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), were detected in Introduction the monitored sites. Basing on the analytical and tox- icological data, the individual health risks related to Polychlorinated biphenyls and chloroorganic organic carcinogenic effects (excess cancer risk over a life- pesticides used on a massive scale in not so distant past time) in humans were assessed, resulting from direct still pose major health hazard to people and animals. ingestion of community water. Also noncarcinogenic Polychlorinated biphenyls are a mixture of congeners effects resulting from exposure to the examined POPs differing in their composition. Theoretically, 209 con- were determined. The conservative approach to risk
    [Show full text]
  • Instructions for Completion of Environmental Hazard
    INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY BUREAU OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD SURVEY FORM The Environmental Hazard Survey Form is a document that provides information on Environmental Hazards listed on the Hazardous Substance Lists which are emitted, discharged or disposed of from a workplace. This information is to be provided to the extent that such information or reports are required under current provisions of federal, state, county or municipal law. In lieu of completing the Discharge/Emission of Environmental Hazards (Part II) and Hazardous Wastes (Part III) sections of this form, an employer may provide his/her list of environmental hazards and any reports or portions thereof, required by current provisions of federal, state, county or municipal law, which contains the information specified in the regulations. If you intend to attach these reports, complete only items 1 through 13. To determine if you are required to complete this form, answer YES or NO to the following questions: • Does your facility have any environmental hazards (EHs) present anywhere in your facility? Use your most recent Hazardous Substance Survey Form to determine the presence of environmental hazards. • If EHs were or are present in your facility, were or are any of them emitted, discharged, and/or disposed of from your facility? • Does your facility have any permits and/or waste manifests for these EHs from any federal, state or local government agency? • If you did not answer YES to all three questions, only complete Items 1 through 13 on the form and return. • If you did answer YES to all three questions, then you must complete Items 1 through 13 and attach copies of appropriate permits or manifests in lieu of completing Parts II and III.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Hazards
    Revised September 2012 Label Review Manual Chapter 8: Environmental Hazards , photo by “Daderot” photo , s.wikimedia.org n /commo http:/ Label Review Manual I. Introducn tio The Environmental Hazards statement provides the precautionary language informing users of the potential hazards to the environment from transport, use, storage, or spill of the product. These hazards may be to water, soil, air, beneficial insects, plants, and/or wildlife as identified in risk assessments performed by the Environmental Fate and Effects Division. Generally, the information contained in this section is based upon the results of eight basic acute toxicity studies performed on the technical grade of the active ingredient(s) in the formulation. These eight studies are: (1) avian oral LD50 (with mallard or bobwhite quail), (2) avian dietary LC50 (mallards), (3) avian dietary LC50 (bobwhite quail), (4) freshwater fish LC50 (rainbow trout), (5) freshwater fish LC50 (bluegill sunfish), (6) acute LC50 freshwater invertebrates (Daphnia magna or water flea), (7) honeybee contact LD50, and (8) mammalian acute oral LD50. For specific data requirements: 40 CFR Part 158. In addition, data concerning a product’s potential to be transported to groundwater, surface water, aquatic sediment, to drift, to adversely affect non-target plants and bees provide important information. Data include, but are not limited to, results from hydrolysis, batch equilibrium, aerobic soil metabolism, field dissipation, and prospective groundwater studies. The data generated from all of these studies support the language used for the Environmental Hazards statements. Review of the data is performed by the Environmental Fate and Effects Division (EFED) or other science reviewers who may also evaluate any label text proposed by the registrant to determine what statements are required.
    [Show full text]
  • Health Concerns and Environmental Issues with PVC-Containing
    Contractor’s Report to the Board Health Concerns and Environmental Issues with PVC-Containing Building Materials in Green Buildings Review of Current Practices and Trends in the Use, Recycling, and Disposal of PVC-Containing Building Materials Produced under contract by: California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment October 2006 S TATE OF C ALIFORNIA Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor Linda S. Adams Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency • INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT BOARD Margo Reid Brown Jeffrey Danzinger Rosalie Mulé Board Chair Board Member Board Member Cheryl Peace Gary Petersen Pat Wiggins Board Member Board Member Board Member • Mark Leary Executive Director For additional copies of this publication, contact: Integrated Waste Management Board Public Affairs Office, Publications Clearinghouse (MS–6) 1001 I Street P.O. Box 4025 Sacramento, CA 95812-4025 www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/ 1-800-CA-WASTE (California only) or (916) 341-6306 Publication #432-06-016 Copies of this document originally provided by CIWMB were printed on recycled paper containing 100 percent postconsumer fiber. Copyright © 2006 by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. All rights reserved. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Prepared as part of contract number IWM-C0197, $38,655. The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in access to its programs. CIWMB publications are available in accessible formats upon request by calling the Public Affairs Office at (916) 341-6300. Persons with hearing impairments can reach the CIWMB through the California Relay Service, 1-800-735-2929. Disclaimer: This report to the Board was produced under contract by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
    [Show full text]
  • John M. Desesso, Ph.D., DABFM, DABFE, FACFEI, DABCHS, Fellow
    John M. DeSesso, Ph.D., DABFM, DABFE, FACFEI, DABCHS, Fellow ATS Principal Scientist | Health Sciences 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 500 | Alexandria, VA 22314 (571) 227-7261 tel | [email protected] Professional Profile Dr. DeSesso has over 45 years of post-doctoral experience specializing in the areas of developmental and reproductive toxicology, general toxicology, risk assessment, and human health effects of environmental agents and pharmaceuticals. Dr. DeSesso's research has included normal and abnormal development, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which chemical and physical agents influence developing organisms. He has an ongoing interest in determining the mechanism, location and timing of the transplacental transfer of various substances (including small molecules and biologics) in various species. He has worked on projects including the assessment for potential gestational exposures to various substances to cause developmental or neurobehavioral effects, determination of the possible teratogenicity of atrazine and glyphosate, and demonstration of the mode of teratogenic action for an artificial blood substitute that is absent in humans. He is an adjunct professor of Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology at Georgetown University School of Medicine where he has taught embryology and anatomy for over 30 years. He has received 6 Teacher of the Year Awards (1 from the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy; 5 from Georgetown University School of Medicine) and is the 2014 recipient of the Narsingh Agnish Fellowship from the Teratology Society, which recognizes contributions to education. He has been invited frequently to serve as the chairman of scientific sessions at national and international scientific meetings, especially those involving mechanisms or amelioration of developmental toxicity and human health risk assessment.
    [Show full text]
  • Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic Acid, 1-Butyl 2-(Phenylmethyl) Ester)
    EPA Document# EPA-740-D-20-015 April 2020 United States Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Protection Agency Pollution Prevention Draft Scope of the Risk Evaluation for Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1-butyl 2-(phenylmethyl) ester) CASRN 85-68-7 April 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .........................................................................................................................5 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................................................................9 1 INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................12 2 SCOPE OF THE EVALUATION ......................................................................................................12 2.1 Reasonably Available Information ..............................................................................................12 Search of Gray Literature ...................................................................................................... 13 Search of Literature from Publicly Available Databases (Peer-Reviewed Literature) .......... 14 Search of TSCA Submissions ................................................................................................ 18 2.2 Conditions of Use ........................................................................................................................19
    [Show full text]
  • Microplastic Pollution on the Strandline of Urban and Natural City Beaches: the Role of Local Activities
    Javier Bayo et al., Int. J. Environ. Impacts, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2020) 155–167 MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION ON THE STRANDLINE OF URBAN AND NATURAL CITY BEACHES: THE ROLE OF LOCAL ACTIVITIES JAVIER BAYO1, DOLORES ROJO1, SONIA OLMOS1 & MIRIAM LÓPEZ1 1Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Spain. ABSTRACT The worldwide production of plastics has been reported to grow from 335 million t in 2016 up to 348 million t in 2017, giving employment to over 1.5 million people in Europe. Plastic materials have changed our way of life because of their versatility, high durability and ability to be moulded in differ- ent shapes. For that reason, when discarded in the marine environment, plastics and especially micro- plastics can become an environmental hazard. This article describes the presence and abundance of microplastics in sandy beaches of a coastal city, Cartagena (southeast Spain), surrounding the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, an important tourist destination with also local activities, mainly fishery and agriculture. Microscopic observations and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses displayed a total of 14 polymer families in the micro- plastic composition, mainly represented by low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethyl- ene, polyvinyl ester (PVE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, nylon (NYL) and polyester (PES). The extensive amount of polymer types together with an important variety of colours demonstrates the mul- tiple origin of microplastics. LDPE in a film form proved to be a consequence of plastic greenhouses degradation, prone to cracking under environmental stress, because of their transportation through a northwest catchment down to the beach. Similarly, PVE used in naval composite structures as a primary resin proved to be higher in urban than in natural beaches because of the massive use of fishing boats and pleasure crafts.
    [Show full text]