We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplásticos en el agua potable de la ciudad de Riobamba
Summary
This study detected microplastics in drinking water samples from Riobamba, Ecuador, finding that over 80 percent of analyzed samples contained plastic particles. The research adds to growing global evidence that microplastic contamination of drinking water is widespread, raising public health concerns.
Every year miles of tons of plastic are manufactured; yet, small amount of plastic are being recycled. In the environment is fragmented, it reaches microscopic sizes that end in oceans and lakes. That is why the journalistic organization in collaboration with the universities of New York and Minnesota carried out a study in 5 continents. The study detected that 83% of the analyzed samples contained microplastics. In Quito 24 water samples for consumption indicated that 75% of the samples present microplastics. It is unknown how the microplastics originate in water sources, reservoirs and water taps. In addition, this study has been conducted in other cities around the world for what is known as the percentage of microplastics present in the drinking water of the City of Riobamba, since 100% of the distribution networks are made of polyvinyl chloride. For the identification of microplastics in water, the methodology of Orb Media, Liebezeit adapted for the UNACH team was applied by vacuum filtration with a cellulose filter and pink bengal dye. Later they were observed in the Stereoscope (iVu7000 with 7.1Mpx) through an integrated camera, obtaining the identification of microplastics in 12 samples of the 62 analyzed. The results of the analysis show that there is a 19% microplastics presence in the water, however, the field units for every 250 ml of measured, are not detrimental to human health. Being a small sample was main limitation, so, future research must be conducted.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the drinking water of the Riobamba city, Ecuador
Researchers analyzed 62 drinking water samples from the Riobamba city distribution system in Ecuador, sourced from glacial meltwater wells, and found microplastic presence in 19% of samples using cellulose filtration and Nile red staining.
Emerging contaminants in rural water: microplastic pollution and its association with agricultural, livestock, and industrial activities in Ecuador
Researchers surveyed 169 samples from 29 rural drinking water systems in southern Ecuador, finding microplastics in 61.5% of samples, with PET as the most frequent polymer and contamination levels correlating with proximity to agricultural, livestock, and industrial activities.
Microplastics in Ecuador: A review of environmental and health-risk assessment challenges
This review summarizes the current state of microplastic research in Ecuador, covering contamination in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments as well as potential health effects. Researchers found that while evidence of microplastic pollution across Ecuador is growing, significant gaps remain in monitoring coverage and risk assessment methods. The study calls for standardized sampling and analysis protocols to better understand the scope of microplastic contamination in the country.
Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap-Water
Researchers collected 32 tap water samples from two areas of Brasília, Brazil and found microplastic contamination in the city's drinking water. The study adds to growing global evidence that microplastics are present in municipal water supplies, raising concerns about chronic human exposure.
Cuantificación de la presencia de microplásticos en la cuenca alta del río Guayllabamba
This study quantified microplastics in the upper basin of the Guayllabamba River in Ecuador, finding contamination at multiple sites. The results add to evidence that South American rivers far from major industrial centers are already contaminated with microplastics, which eventually flow toward coastal and marine environments.