Microplastics in South Africa’s bottled water: Risk metrics and potential health impact

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a major environmental and public health concern due to its persistence, ubiquity, and potential toxicity. Widely consumed globally, bottled water has been identified as a significant pathway of human exposure. This study presents one of the first systematic investigations of microplastic contamination in bottled water sold in South Africa. It also advocates for a globally acceptable standard method for detecting microplastics and the need for microplastic limits to be included in drinking water quality standards. Six samples of the leading brands of bottled water in South Africa were purchased randomly from four provinces. The samples were analysed using optical microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Microplastics were detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 5.0 to 25.0 particles per litre, and a mean concentration of 14.8 ± 7.8 particles per litre across all samples. Fibres (77%) and fragments (14%) dominated morphologically, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers identified. Risk indices indicated moderate contamination, with Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values for adults equal 1.152 particles/kg body weight/day, whereas children have an EDI of 4.400 particles/kg body weight/day. The results confirm bottled water as a consistent source of microplastic exposure, highlight regulatory and public health gaps in South Africa, and call for urgent monitoring, mitigation strategies, and consumer awareness.