We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Factors affecting the leaching of micro and nanoplastics in the water distribution system
Summary
Researchers studied how plastic water pipes in distribution systems leach micro- and nanoplastics into drinking water under varying conditions of pH, chlorine levels, and pipe material. They found that higher pH and the presence of free chlorine both contributed to increased particle release from the pipes. The findings raise concerns that everyday drinking water infrastructure may be an overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.
The role of the water distribution system (WDS) requires that it supply water of sufficient quality to households. Unregulated leaching of micro and nanoplastics from plastic pipes of the distribution system is therefore a cause for concern, particularly with the rise in research associating these plastic particles to adverse health impacts in living organisms. Within this study, four parameters (pH, free chlorine concentration, pipe material, and time) were varied in a pipe loop network to observe their effect on microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) leaching into the simulated distribution network. Results indicated an abundance of MPs/NPs in different shapes and sizes throughout the samples. Graphical trends illustrated that basic pH values contributed to a higher number of particles. Statistical analysis via analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed this observation and further showed interaction of chlorine dose and pH concentration (p-value = 0.000), and chlorine dose and pipe material (p-value = 0.038) was also significant to leaching. Numerically, polyethylene (PE) particles were the most abundant with a total of 15194 particles, followed by 12920 polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) particles and 12317 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles. It was also noticed that the number of particles decreased with time.© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence and identification of microplastics retained in corrosion deposits of drinking water transmission pipes
Researchers investigated corrosion deposits inside drinking water pipes and found that microplastics and nanoplastics become trapped within the porous, rusty buildup. These trapped particles can be released back into the water supply when conditions change, such as during pipe maintenance or water pressure shifts. The study raises concerns about drinking water pipes serving as hidden reservoirs of microplastic contamination.
The Behaviour of Polymeric Pipes in Drinking Water Distribution System. Comparison with Other Pipe Materials
This paper is not directly about microplastics; it reviews how different pipe materials used in drinking water distribution systems leach chemicals, corrode, and support microbial growth, focusing on metal and polymer pipes and their impact on water quality.
The disinfectant residues promote the leaching of water contaminants from plastic pipe particles
This study found that trace amounts of disinfectants commonly used in water treatment can accelerate the aging of plastic water pipes, causing them to release more contaminants. When plastic pipe particles were exposed to chlorine-based disinfectants and ozone, they leached higher levels of organic chemicals and microplastics into the water. The findings raise concerns about how the interaction between water treatment chemicals and plastic plumbing may affect drinking water quality.
Chemical and microbiological safety of drinking water in distribution networks made of plastic pipes
Researchers examined the safety of drinking water distributed through plastic pipes made of PVC and HDPE, which are increasingly replacing metal pipes. They found that these plastic pipes can leach chemical compounds into the water and may promote different microbial growth patterns compared to metal pipes. The study highlights the need for better monitoring of both chemical and microbiological quality in drinking water systems that use plastic infrastructure.
Aging of drinking water transmission pipes during long-term operation as a potential source of nano- and microplastics
A study of aging plastic water pipes (PE and PVC) used in drinking water systems found that over time, the pipe surfaces crack and peel, releasing micro- and nanoplastic particles into tap water. Smaller-diameter pipes at the ends of distribution networks showed the most degradation, meaning households furthest from water treatment plants may receive the highest levels of plastic contamination in their drinking water.