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Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in water supply systems: In water and pipe scales
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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.
Microplastic (MP) pollution has received widespread attention; however, its occurrence and distribution in water supply systems, particularly in pipe scales, remains unclear. In this study, MPs were observed in water and pipe scale samples from the drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) and distribution system (DWDS), respectively. The MP concentrations ranged from 13.23 to 134.79 n/L and 569.99 to 751.73 n/kg in the water and pipe scale samples, respectively. The predominant particles in the pipe scales (50-100 μm) were smaller than those in the water samples (> 200 μm). Overall, MP fragments were the most abundant. Of all the identified MPs, nylon and polyvinyl chloride were predominant in the water and pipe scale samples, respectively. Furthermore, the DWTP and DWDS both prevented MPs from entering the tap water, thereby reducing their risk. The results of this study provide direct evidence for the strong adsorption of MPs onto pipe scales, indicating that pipe scale stability may play a role in improving water quality and security. However, the abundance of MPs in pipe scales cannot be ignored. Additionally, the results provide valuable background information on MP pollution in water supply systems.
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Longitudinal and vertical distribution of microplastics in various pipe scales in an operating drinking water distribution system
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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.
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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.
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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.
Microplastics hack the water supply system: What it means for water safety and human health?
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This review traced microplastics through the entire water supply chain, from source water to the tap, and found that daily human intake through drinking water is rapidly increasing. The study suggests that water treatment infrastructure, including disinfection chemicals and aging pipes, can actually transform microplastics in ways that increase their health risks.
Microplastics in drinking water distribution systems: Occurrence, environmental behavior, and human health concerns
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This review examines how microplastics move through drinking water distribution systems, from treatment plants all the way to household taps. Despite treatment efforts, microplastics persist in the water supply, with plastic pipes and fittings themselves contributing additional contamination. The tiny particles also serve as carriers for harmful bacteria and other pollutants, compounding the health risks of microplastic-contaminated drinking water.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.