Determining the Presence of Micro-Particles in Drinking Water in the Czech Republic—An Exploratory Study Focusing on Microplastics and Additives

With the increasing prevalence of monitored micro-pollutants in the environment, new challenges arise in their determination. Currently, the issue of microplastics in the environment is a highly debated topic. This article focuses on the assessment of micro-particles in drinking water samples collected in the Czech Republic. The samples for analysis were collected at two locations, twice a day. Particle separation was achieved through vacuum filtration, and particle identification was performed using the µ-FTIR method. A total of 40 particles were analyzed, and their shape, color, and material composition were determined. The study results demonstrated the presence of microplastics and additives used in plastic production in the drinking water samples. The findings of this article contribute to understanding the issue of micro-particles in drinking water and raise questions for further research and measures to protect public health and the environment.