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Microplastics in Our Waters: Insights from a Configurative Systematic Review of Water Bodies and Drinking Water Sources
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This systematic review mapped microplastic contamination across rivers, lakes, seas, tap water, and bottled water worldwide. The findings show that microplastics are present in virtually every water source we rely on, with rivers being the most studied and polyethylene being the most commonly found plastic type.
Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are an emerging global environmental and health concern due to their pervasive presence in aquatic ecosystems. This systematic review synthesizes data on the distribution, shapes, materials, and sizes of MPs in various water sources, including lakes, rivers, seas, tap water, and bottled water, between 2014 and 2024. Results reveal that river water constitutes the largest share of studies on MP pollution (30%), followed by lake water (24%), sea water (19%), bottled water (17%), and tap water (11%), reflecting their critical roles in MP transport and accumulation. Seasonal analysis indicates that MP concentrations peak in the wet season (38%), followed by the dry (32%) and transitional (30%) seasons. Spatially, China leads MP research globally (19%), followed by the USA (7.8%) and India (5.9%). MPs are predominantly composed of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes. Sub-millimeter MPs (<1 mm) dominate globally, with significant variations driven by anthropogenic activities, industrial discharge, and environmental factors such as rainfall and temperature. The study highlights critical gaps in understanding the long-term ecological and health impacts of MPs, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies, improved waste management, and innovative mitigation strategies. This review underscores the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution through global collaboration and stricter regulatory measures.
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Prevalence and implications of microplastics in potable water system: An update
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This review summarizes current knowledge on microplastic contamination in drinking water systems worldwide, covering sources, detection methods, and potential health implications. Researchers found that microplastics are present in both tap and bottled water, with fibers and fragments being the most common types detected. The study highlights the need for standardized testing methods and regulatory limits to protect public health from microplastic exposure through drinking water.
Microplastics in freshwater and marine ecosystems: Occurrence, characterization, sources, distribution dynamics, fate, transport processes, potential mitigation strategies, and policy interventions
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This review summarizes research on microplastic pollution across freshwater and marine ecosystems on all six continents, finding that polyethylene and polypropylene are the most common types found in water. The study highlights that microplastics serve as carriers for toxic chemicals and can move up the food chain, ultimately posing risks to human health through seafood consumption and drinking water.
Microplastic Contamination, an Emerging Threat to the Freshwater Environment and Human Health: A Systematic Review
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This systematic review summarizes existing research on microplastic contamination in freshwater environments and its implications for human health. The evidence shows that microplastics are widespread in rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources, and they can absorb toxic chemicals, making freshwater plastic pollution a direct concern for the safety of our water supply.
Analytical Review of Microplastics Occurrence in Bottled Water, Tap Water, and Wastewater Treatment Plants
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This review analyzes microplastic contamination across bottled water, tap water, and wastewater treatment plants using data from studies worldwide. Researchers found that microplastic levels in drinking water are closely tied to the water source and that packaging type significantly influences contamination, with glass bottles recommended over plastic. The study emphasizes the need for improved water treatment technologies and greater public awareness about microplastic exposure through drinking water.
Occurrence of microplastics in tap and bottled water, and food packaging: A narrative review on current knowledge
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This narrative review compiled findings on microplastic contamination in tap water, bottled water, and food packaging. Researchers found that various types of microplastic fragments have been detected in drinking water sources worldwide, with bottled water generally containing more particles than tap water. The review highlights that food packaging is an additional source of daily microplastic exposure, underscoring the need for better monitoring and regulation.
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