We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Presence of microplastics in drinking water from different freshwater sources in Flanders (Belgium), an urbanized region in Europe
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed drinking water from nine treatment plants and nine household taps across Flanders, Belgium, and found low but measurable levels of microplastics (averaging 0.01–0.02 particles per liter), with polypropylene and PET as the most common types. When extrapolating to include smaller particles not detectable by standard methods, estimated exposure rises to roughly 5–6 particles per liter, highlighting gaps in current detection approaches.
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of concern in aquatic ecosystems. Up to now, only a few studies about MP contamination in drinking water have been published. In this study, we analysed drinking water originating from ground water, surface water and treated sewage water for the presence of MPs, collected in different drinking water treatment plants (DWTP, n = 9) and water taps (TW, n = 9) in the geographic region of Flanders (Belgium). We report measured microplastic concentrations, size distributions, and polymer types using μFTIR spectroscopy in the range of 25–1000 μm. The MPs’ abundances in the DWTP and TW samples were on average 0.02 ± 0.03 MPs L − 1 and 0.01 ± 0.02 MPs L − 1 , respectively. We did not find significant differences comparing the obtained MP concentrations according to the origin of the water. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the most common polymer types detected in the samples. Next, based on several theoretical assumptions, we extrapolated the measured MP concentrations in our samples to cover the full theoretical MP size range (1–5000 μm) to obtain estimates of the actual MP contamination levels. The rescaled particle concentrations (1 μm – 5000 mm) were on average 5.59 MPs L − 1 and 3.76 MPs L − 1 for the DWTP and TW samples, respectively. Based on a standard consumption of two liters of drinking water per day in combination with the measured concentration in this study, Flemish people consume 0.02 MPs per capita per day via drinking water. These findings contribute in our understanding of the microplastic pollution of drinking water, which is of concern due to the potential uptake of MPs in the human body.
More Papers Like This
Distribution of microplastics in freshwater systems in an urbanized region: A case study in Flanders (Belgium)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped microplastic distribution across freshwater systems in Flanders, Belgium, finding widespread contamination with concentrations varying by land use and urbanization level, providing a regional-scale assessment needed for risk evaluation in densely populated areas.
Prevalence and implications of microplastics in potable water system: An update
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge on microplastic contamination in drinking water systems worldwide, covering sources, detection methods, and potential health implications. Researchers found that microplastics are present in both tap and bottled water, with fibers and fragments being the most common types detected. The study highlights the need for standardized testing methods and regulatory limits to protect public health from microplastic exposure through drinking water.
Detection and Occurrence of Microplastics through Municipal and Pilot-scale Drinking Water Treatment Plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new method for detecting and characterizing microplastics in drinking water samples from municipal and private treatment systems. They found microplastics in treated drinking water, though at lower concentrations than in source water, and identified fibers as the most common type. The study demonstrates that conventional water treatment does not completely remove microplastics from drinking water.
Microplastic pollution of drinking water in a metropolis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 100 drinking water samples from various sources across Istanbul and found microplastics in every sample, with concentrations ranging from 10 to 390 particles per liter. Eight different polymer types were identified, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC, in both fiber and fragment forms. The findings indicate that drinking water in major metropolitan areas is a consistent pathway for human microplastic exposure.
Microplastics (mps) in Drinking Water: Uses, Sources and Transport
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews the sources, transport pathways, and health hazards of microplastic particles in drinking water, noting that MPs enter freshwater systems through wastewater effluent, stormwater runoff, degraded plastic waste, atmospheric deposition, and industrial discharge. The study provides accessible background on analytical detection methods and underscores that microplastics in tap and bottled water represent a direct, daily human exposure route.
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.