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From source to distribution channel: A baseline study of microplastic occurrence in drinking water in Ogun State, Nigeria
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Researchers measured microplastics in the drinking water system of Ogun State, Nigeria, from raw water through treatment to tap water, finding 10-16 particles per liter at every stage. Treatment plants removed about 40% of microplastics, but levels actually increased again in tap water, likely from contamination in the distribution pipes. Children were estimated to consume more microplastics per body weight than adults, highlighting the need for better water treatment in developing countries.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants known to have contaminated not only surface and groundwater but also drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and tap water. Little is known about the occurrence of MPs in DWTPs in Africa, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the prevalence and estimated daily intake of MPs in raw water, DWTPs, and tap water in a semi-urban area in Ogun State, Nigeria. Using Rose Bengal staining and optical microscopy, MPs in water samples were identified and characterised using standard methods. The abundances of MPs were 16.13 ± 3.83 particles/L in raw water, 10.74 ± 3.76 particles/L in treated water, and 12.43 ± 3.92 particles/L in tap water. Most of the MPs found in the water samples were classified as fibres, followed by fragments, with a size of < 1 mm. This study showed that the drinking water treatment plant reduced microplastics from raw water by 40%, however, there was an increase in the abundance of MPs in tap water. Residents estimated daily consumption of MPs from tap water varied between 0.31 and 0.44 particles for adults and between 1.2 and 1.69 particles for children. This study addresses a critical gap in understanding microplastic pollution in the water distribution systems and DWTPs. The results also indicated that MPs were not effectively removed, requiring a more sophisticated treatment method to lower human exposure to MPs through drinking water from DWTPs.
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Researchers tracked microplastic contamination through the entire drinking water system in Zahedan, Iran, from raw water sources to household taps. While water treatment plants removed 64-75% of microplastics, tap water actually contained more microplastics than the treated water, likely due to contamination from pipes and plumbing. Children were estimated to consume more microplastics per body weight than adults, highlighting concerns about drinking water as a source of microplastic exposure.
Occurrence and Assessment of Human Exposure to Microplastic Particles in Bottled Water From Southwest, Nigeria
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Researchers tested eight brands of bottled water from southwest Nigeria and found microplastics in all of them, averaging about 15 particles per liter, mostly in the form of fibers. Children were estimated to consume three to four times more microplastics per kilogram of body weight than adults from bottled water. The study adds to growing evidence that bottled water is a significant source of human microplastic exposure, especially for children.
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.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Borehole Drinking Water and Sediments in Lagos, Nigeria
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Researchers detected microplastics in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria, finding fibres and fragments in the majority of samples, indicating that groundwater sources used for drinking are contaminated with plastic particles and posing potential health risks to communities relying on borehole water.
Tracing microplastics in rural drinking water in Chongqing, China: Their presence and pathways from source to tap
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Researchers traced the journey of microplastics through a rural drinking water system in Chongqing, China, from reservoir to tap. They found that the water treatment plant successfully removed all microplastics from the water, but contamination increased again during pipe transport to homes, resulting in about 1.4 particles per liter at the tap. The study reveals that aging distribution pipes are a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure in drinking water.
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