We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Quantification of microplastics in bottled water by Pyr-GC-Orbitrap-MS, human exposure, and in vitro hepatotoxicity assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 40 bottled water brands from five countries and found microplastics in 31 of them, primarily from bottle cap materials (HDPE plastic) rather than the PET bottles themselves, with the average adult exposure estimated at a very low 0.004 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day — and lab tests showed this level caused no detectable liver cell damage.
In 2010, the United Nation General Assembly, with resolution 64/292, identified drinking water as human right essential for the full enjoyment of life. Among drinking water, bottled water (BW) is regulated as food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is much concern whether humans are exposed to microplastics (MP) through BW ingestion. This study aims at quantifying 9 types of plastic polymers in 40 BW brands made with pristine or recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles purchased from 5 different countries. High-resolution pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC-Orbitrap-MS) method was developed to determine PET, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and nitrile rubber (NBR). The MP concentration ranged from 0.016 to 0.439 μg/L in 31 out of 40 samples, with no differences among BW from different countries nor among pristine or recycled PET bottles. HDPE used in the bottle cap, was the dominant polymer detected in BW followed by PS. Our results show that an adult might ingest an average of 0.004 μg HDPE kg -1 bw per day only from BW consumption. Moreover, we performed in vitro studies with hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells to assess the potential hepatotoxicity of HDPE leachates, which resulted in no cytotoxicity nor reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. • Polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottle did not release microplastics • Bottled water contained high density polyethylene (HDPE) • On average, adults ingest 0.004 μg kg -1 bw per day of HDPE via bottled water • On average, adults ingest 0.00003 μg kg -1 bw per day of PS via bottled water • HDPE leachates do not affect cell viability nor trigger ROS generation in HepG2 cells
More Papers Like This
Prevalence and Quantification of Microplastics in Bottled Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested bottled water and found tiny plastic particles—known as microplastics—in every sample, with counts ranging widely from 22 to 246 particles per liter. Most of these particles were identified as polyethylene, a common plastic used in packaging. While the health effects of consuming microplastics aren't fully understood yet, this study adds to growing evidence that bottled water may be a significant source of plastic exposure, highlighting the need for more research into what this means for our health.
Quantitative analysis of microplastic presence in commercially bottled drinking water brands and the associated human exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastics in 17 commercially bottled water brands in Sabah, Malaysia, finding concentrations ranging from 2 to 42 particles per liter — dominated by black-colored fragments and fibers of polypropylene originating mainly from bottle caps — with estimated daily intake reaching 0.53 particles/kg/day for children.
First evidence of microplastics and their characterization in bottled drinking water from a developing country
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists in a developing country analyzed 10 brands of bottled drinking water and found microplastics in all samples, with concentrations varying by brand. The most common particles were polyethylene and polypropylene fragments and fibers, likely originating from the plastic bottle caps and packaging. This study adds to evidence that bottled water is a significant source of daily microplastic intake for people worldwide.
Occurrence and characterization of microplastics in bottled drinking water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastics in ten bottled water brands and found up to nine microplastic particles per liter, estimating that people who drink only bottled water may ingest over 150 microplastic particles per year — with polypropylene and polystyrene being the most common types found.
Microplastics and non-natural cellulosic particles in Spanish bottled drinking water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed five top-selling bottled water brands in Spain and found microplastics in all of them, primarily polyester and polyethylene particles likely originating from the PET bottles and caps. While the estimated daily intake from bottled water alone was relatively low, the study adds to evidence that bottled water is a consistent source of microplastic exposure for consumers.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.