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Global Microplastics Contamination in Bottled and Tap Water: Prevalence and Sources
Summary
This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) are showing up in both bottled and tap water—sometimes at levels over 10,000 particles per liter in bottled water alone. Bottled water tends to have more plastic fragments (likely from the packaging itself), while tap water has more plastic fibers, often picked up from pipes and treatment systems. Since we don't yet fully know the health effects of ingesting these particles, this widespread contamination is a reminder that avoiding plastic exposure entirely is nearly impossible right now, which is why scientists are pushing for better water treatment and plastic
MPs, ranging from 1μm to 5,000 μm, have been detected in various food products like seafood, table salt, honey, beverages, and drinking water. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a review to assess the risks associated with plastic particles in drinking water. MPs in bottled water vary significantly, ranging from 2.89 ± 0.48 MPs/L to 8,955 ± 5,205 MPs/L, with some samples exceeding 10,000 MPs/L. The most prevalent forms of MPs in bottled water are fragments and fibers, with fragments being more common. These particles are typically transparent, blue, black, or green, with PET being the dominant polymer, followed by PP, PE, PA, PS, and PVC. The most common size range for these particles is less than 50 μm. In comparison, MPs in tap water range from 3 to 5,000 μm, with fibers being the most frequently observed morphology, followed by fragments. MPs are mostly transparent, black, or blue, with dominant sizes being below 60 μm. Common polymers found in tap water include PE, PP, PET, PVC, PS, and copolymers of PE and PP, along with traces of PVC. The contamination of MPs in tap water primarily originates from water treatment processes and pipeline materials. This variation in MP concentration and type between bottled and tap water underscores the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and the need for comprehensive measures to address this issue across all water sources.