A review by researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras has found that microplastics pollution is caused in residences.
Daily activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry, taking showers and using toilets all produce municipal wastewater.
The authors of the study suggest that among the various sources contributing to the spread of microplastics in the environment, municipal wastewater is a major source. To wash dishes plastic-based scouring pads are used. The softer part of the sponge comprises polyurethane (PU) and the attached mesh is made of polyethylene. When the sponge is worn the plastic material results in secondary microplastics are created.
