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Risk Assessment of Microplastics Contamination in Some Selected Bottled Water Consumed in Katsina Metropolis
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Researchers tested 15 brands of bottled water sold in a Nigerian city and found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in every single one, likely leaching from the bottles and packaging themselves. On average, each sample contained about 14 plastic particles, and kids who drink this water may be swallowing even more relative to their body size—raising concerns about potential long-term health effects like cell damage and exposure to leached chemicals. While more research is needed to understand the exact health risks, this study adds to growing evidence that bottled water isn't as "pure" as it seems.
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant environmental and health concern, infiltrating consumables like bottled water through packaging, manufacturing, and environmental sources. This study assessed physicochemical properties and MP contamination in 15 bottled water consumed in Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria. Parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), chloride (Cl⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), dissolved oxygen (DO) and organic matter (OM), were measured using standard methods. MPs were extracted via wet peroxide oxidation, quantified with fluorescence microscopy, and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Statistical analyses encompassed correlations, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), contamination factors (MPCF), pollution load index (MPPLI), and estimated daily intake (EDI). Bottled water exhibited pH ranging from 4.93 (acidic, AQ) to 7.26 (FR); EC mostly low (0.00–0.25 µS/cm) except NP (35.5 µS/cm); TDS 2.00–53.0 mg/L; TSS 6.66–66.6 mg/L; Cl⁻ up to 88.6 mg/L; SO₄²⁻ low; DO variable (3.48–292 mg/L); OM up to 99.1 mg/L. MPs in bottled water averaged 13.9 particles/sample (3–33, mostly fragments); FTIR identified nylon, PET, polyurethane, and polyethylene; SEM-EDX revealed elemental clusters (e.g., Ti-Cl-Na-Cu). PCA captured 100% variance in two components; dendrograms showed parameter clusters. MPCF indicated high contamination in most samples; MPPLI was 1.0 (bottled water) EDI was higher for children (up to 3.999 particles/day in bottled water). Widespread MP contamination, primarily from packaging, underscores risks of oxidative stress and toxin leaching. Recommendations include enhanced filtration, regulatory limits, and alternative materials to mitigate exposure.
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