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Analysis of the presence of microplastics in different brands of bottled water in Regional 6 - Ecuador

Revista Colombiana de Química 2025
Paula Gabriela Brito López, Pablo Arévalo, Karen Gabriela Orozco Gualoto, Karen Gabriela Orozco Gualoto, Jenniffer Eliana Flores Calle, Jenniffer Eliana Flores Calle, Ximena Jamileth Cajamarca Rivadeneira

Summary

Researchers analyzed 72 water samples from four brands of bottled water in Ecuador's Region 6 for microplastic content using FTIR spectroscopy. Microplastic fibers and fragments were found in all brands, with one brand averaging 233.1 particles per liter and polyethylene as the most frequently identified polymer type.

Polymers

Attributable to the immoderate insertion of plastics into the food chain humans, this investigation was conducted with the aim of assessing the presence of microplastics in bottled water in Regional 6 of Ecuador. Accordingly, 72 samples from four different brands of bottled water were analyzed, revealing various plastic particles (fibers and fragments) which were subsequently confirmed through FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) Spectroscopy. Furthermore, a complete range of fragment sizes ranging from 4,4 µm to 248,29 µm and a complete range of fiber sizes from 102,64 µm to 840,20 µm were acquired., recognizing them as secondary microplastics. Nevertheless, upon comparing means regarding the fibers and fragments discovered in each brand, it was established that brand B had a greater quantity of microplastics, with an average of 233,1. Finally, polyethylene was identified as the most probable type of particle detected by FTIR.

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