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Microplastic Abundance in Refilled Drinking Water: The Role of Depot Sanitation and Maintenance Practices
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A study of 36 water refill stations in Indonesia found that every single sample of refilled drinking water contained microplastics — tiny plastic particles that can end up in our bodies. The good news: stations with regular cleaning schedules and better hygiene practices had significantly less contamination, meaning simple maintenance habits could help reduce how many plastic particles end up in your drinking water.
Introduction: Refilled drinking water (RDW) is contaminated with microplastics (MPs) which have an impact on human health. Despite increasing evidence, regulatory standards, and monitoring remain limited. The objective of this study was to analyze MPs abundance based on characteristics of RDW depots. Methods: This observational study was carried out using across-sectional design, with the population comprising all RDW depots operating in 2 sub-districts, Banyumas, Indonesia (n = 36). A total of 1000 mL of RDW was collected from each depot using glass bottles to minimize contamination. Equipment was acid-washed (10% nitric acid), rinsed with distilled water, and plastic materials were avoided. MPs were identified morphologically under a microscope based on shape, color, and abundance. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Results and Discussion: The results showed that MPs were detected in all samples, with fragment-shaped particles predominating (82.1%), black-colored being most common (87.3%), and a mean abundance of 42.6 particles/L (min–max: 18–69; SD: 12.5). Higher mean MPs abundance was observed in urban areas, the use of piped water as the raw water source, depots operating for more than five years, less frequent maintenance, and high sanitation risk. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found based on maintenance routines (p-value = 0.028) and sanitation risk levels (p-value = 0.003). Conclusion: This study showed that regular and well-planned maintenance practices, together with proper hygiene and sanitation implementation, were key factors in controlling MPs contamination in RDW depots.
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Microplastic occurrence and removal in unbranded refilled drinking water treatment systems: Implications for human exposure in Karawang, Indonesia
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Researchers tested refillable drinking water sold at local shops in Indonesia and found that even after treatment, the water still contained tiny plastic particles—mostly tiny fibers and fragments, likely from common plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene. While treatment cut microplastic levels roughly in half, it didn't remove them completely, meaning people who rely on this common, affordable water source may be regularly swallowing plastic particles without realizing it. The study is a first step in flagging this exposure risk, but more research is needed to understand the actual health effects and improve filtration methods.
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 12 refillable drinking water depots in Sumbersari, Indonesia, finding an average concentration of 7.1 particles per liter, mostly fibers and fragments. Consumers were estimated to ingest between 5.61 and 15.98 microplastic particles per liter per day.
Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in drinking water treatment plants, distribution systems, water from refill kiosks, tap waters and bottled waters
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This review summarizes research on microplastic contamination across the entire drinking water supply chain, from treatment plants to tap water and bottled water. Microplastics were found at every stage, with concentrations varying widely depending on location and treatment methods. The findings highlight that people are regularly consuming microplastics through their drinking water, though more standardized research is needed to fully understand the health implications.
Environmental Determinants of Fecal Microplastic Abundance: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Musi River Basin, Indonesia
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Researchers studying an Indonesian river community found that people who drank refilled water (bottled water from refill stations) or used teabags had more microplastic particles in their stool — tiny plastic bits that can enter your body through everyday food and drinks. This suggests some common daily habits, like brewing tea or using refill water services, may quietly add to your plastic exposure, making water quality and packaging choices worth paying attention to.
Microplastic Contamination in Drinking Water Treatment Systems: A Case Study of Bedadung River Jember
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Researchers traced microplastic contamination through the Bedadung River water treatment chain in Indonesia, from intake to consumer taps, at seven sampling points. MPs were present throughout the system, with concentrations declining through treatment stages but not reaching zero, indicating residual MP exposure in treated drinking water.
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