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Occurrence of Microplastics in Drinking Water in South East Asia: A Short Review
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This review examines the levels and sources of microplastics found in drinking water across Southeast Asia, a region home to many of the world's most plastic-polluted rivers. Researchers found microplastics present in tap water, bottled water, and treated water throughout the region, with potential health concerns including inflammation and cellular damage from long-term ingestion. The study highlights the urgent need for improved water treatment methods and stronger regulatory frameworks to address microplastic contamination in drinking water supplies.
This study reviews the levels and sources of microplastics in drinking water in Southeast Asia, assessing potential risks to human health and the environment, evaluating water treatment processes, and identifying remediation strategies to reduce microplastic pollution. Southeast Asia is home to nine of the ten most plastic-polluted rivers in the world, discharging vast amounts of plastic waste into the sea, causing adverse effects on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Microplastics have become a global environmental issue and are found in various sources of drinking water, including tap water, plastic and glass bottled drinking water, treated water, and both single-use and returnable plastic bottled drinking water. Ingesting microplastics can cause physical damage and chemical toxicity, leading to health problems such as inflammation, DNA damage, and cancer. The study discusses physical, chemical, and biological methods for remediation, which have benefits and drawbacks and may not be effective in all situations. More research is needed to understand the extent of microplastic pollution in Southeast Asia and develop effective remediation strategies. Eliminating microplastics from the environment is necessary to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
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A review on the presence of microplastics in Asian water and health consequences
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Researchers reviewed studies from across Asia and found microplastics in virtually every type of freshwater source — rivers, lakes, tap water, groundwater, and bottled water — with concentrations varying widely by country, raising public health concerns especially where waste management infrastructure is limited.
Microplastics in Freshwater Environment in Asia: A Systematic Scientific Review
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This systematic review summarizes existing research on microplastic contamination in Asian freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The study found that microplastics are widespread in Asian freshwater systems, with research concentrated in China and Southeast Asia, and identified potential risks to both aquatic life and human health. Since billions of people in Asia rely on freshwater for drinking and food production, this contamination is a significant public health concern.
Microplastics pollution in selected rivers from Southeast Asia
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in rivers across Southeast Asia, a region with high plastic waste discharge but limited monitoring data, documenting the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in these understudied waterways.
Microplastics in drinking water: a macro issue
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This review examines the growing concern of microplastic contamination in drinking water sources, noting that microplastics are found not only in oceans but also in freshwater and tap water. The study highlights that beyond direct harm, microplastics can act as carriers for other contaminants, making their presence in drinking water a significant issue for human health.
Microplastics in Drinking Water: Assessing Occurrence and Potential Risks
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This review paper examines how widespread microplastics are in drinking water — from rivers and lakes to groundwater — and what health risks this contamination may pose. The authors call for urgent research into how microplastics move through water treatment systems and ultimately reach taps, emphasizing that current sampling and analytical methods are inconsistent, making it hard to compare studies or set safety thresholds. For people drinking tap or bottled water daily, understanding and regulating this exposure pathway is a pressing public health priority.
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.