We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Longitudinal and vertical distribution of microplastics in various pipe scales in an operating drinking water distribution system
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected samples from an operating drinking water distribution system and found microplastics in all tap water and pipe scale samples tested. They discovered that microplastic abundance varied along the length and depth of pipe scales, with older and more corroded pipes harboring higher concentrations. The study reveals that the pipe network itself is a significant source of microplastic contamination in the water that reaches people's taps.
Microplastics (MPs) are ingested by humans through the daily consumption of drinking water. Pipe scales are recognized as important sites of MPs occurrence in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS). Despite extensive research on drinking water, no study has been conducted to investigate the distribution of MPs in pipe scales within an operational DWDS. The underground placement of DWDSs brings challenges for sampling pipe scales. In this study, 5 tap water and 16 pipe scales samples were collected from a typical DWDS. The analysis of MPs abundance in these 21 samples filled the data gap in the distribution of MPs in both pipe scales and tap water along the DWDSs. MPs were detected in all water samples (1.74-20.88 MPs/L) and pipe scales samples (0.03-3.48 MPs/cm). In tap water, MPs abundance increased abruptly in the stagnant-slow flow region and reached the maximum value (20.88 MPs/L), even surpassing the abundance in raw water (6.42 MPs/L). In the pipe scales, MPs abundance decreased from the upstream to downstream of DWDS and was associated with the heavy metal concentration. MPs smaller than 150 µm accounted for 91.6% of the tap water (21-971 µm) and pipe scales (20-2055 µm). The abundance of MPs showed a logarithmic increase as the size decreased. The proportion of MPs fibers in tap water was lower than that in pipe scales. A total of 35 MPs polymers were detected, with 34 polymers in pipe scales and 26 polymers in tap water. In terms of abundance, polyethylene terephthalate (50.0%) was the dominant polymer in pipe scales, while polyamide (70.3%) was the dominant polymer in tap water. Regarding detection rate, polyamide was detected in all 21 samples, followed by polyurethane in 19 samples. The distribution of MPs along the longitudinal direction of the DWDS was correlated with heavy metal. While the distribution of MPs in the vertical direction of large diameter pipe scales was dependent on their sizes, and densities. The greatest abundance, size and density of MPs were detected at the bottom 120-degree.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in water supply systems: In water and pipe scales
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics present throughout drinking water supply systems, both in treated water and accumulated within pipe scales, with concentrations in pipe scales being significantly higher than in the water itself.
Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated microplastic presence throughout a large tap water distribution network, detecting microplastics at multiple points from treatment plant to consumer taps and finding that concentrations increased along the distribution system, suggesting the pipe network itself as a contamination source.
The effect of adsorption on the fate of colloidal polystyrene microplastics in drinking water distribution system pipe scales
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in drinking water pipe scale layers and found that adsorption onto pipe scales influences the fate and transport of colloidal microplastics within distribution systems, potentially affecting drinking water quality.
Aging of drinking water transmission pipes during long-term operation as a potential source of nano- and microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Occurrence and identification of microplastics retained in corrosion deposits of drinking water transmission pipes
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.