We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic and nanoplastic concentration in tap water in the US
ClearMicroplastic and nanoplastic concentration in tap water in the US
This study quantified microplastic and nanoplastic concentrations in US tap water, finding widespread contamination across sampled locations and providing estimates of daily human ingestion through drinking water consumption.
Occurrence and identification of microplastics in tap water from China
Researchers analyzed 38 tap water samples from cities across China and found microplastics in all of them, with concentrations averaging around 440 particles per liter. Most particles were smaller than 50 micrometers, and the dominant types were polyethylene and polypropylene fragments. The findings highlight that drinking water treatment plants face a significant challenge in addressing microplastic contamination in the water supply.
Global prevalence of microplastics in tap water systems: Abundance, characteristics, drivers and knowledge gaps
A global analysis of tap water from 34 countries found that microplastics were present in 87% of over 1,100 samples tested, with particles smaller than 50 micrometers being the most common. When researchers looked for particles as small as 1 micrometer, concentrations were more than 20 times higher than studies that only counted larger particles. This means that most people worldwide are regularly drinking microplastics in their tap water, and the true extent of exposure has likely been underestimated.
Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network
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.
Prevalence and implications of microplastics in potable water system: An update
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.
Separation and identification of nanoplastics in tap water
Researchers developed a method to separate and identify nanoplastics in tap water, detecting particles as small as 58 nanometers made of common plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC. They found nanoplastic concentrations of roughly 1.7 to 2.1 micrograms per liter in tap water samples. The study provides the first feasible approach for measuring these extremely tiny plastic particles in drinking water, highlighting a potential health concern for consumers.
Microplastics and nanoplastics contamination in raw and treated water
Researchers analyzed 189 samples of raw, tap, and bottled drinking water for micro- and nanoplastic contamination. They found plastic particles in every sample tested, with raw water sources containing the highest concentrations and treated tap water containing the lowest, though contamination was never fully eliminated. The study suggests that current water treatment processes reduce but do not completely remove plastic particles from drinking water.
Polymers of micro- and nanoplastics in household tap water of Barcelona
Researchers quantified micro- and nanoplastic polymers in the 0.7-20 micrometer size range in household tap water from the public drinking water network of Barcelona, Spain, using a novel workflow designed to capture smaller particle sizes than most previous studies. The cross-sectional study found microplastics present in drinking water at concentrations relevant to human daily exposure assessment.
Occurrence and size distribution study of microplastics in household water from different cities in continental Spain and the Canary Islands
Researchers sampled tap water from 24 locations across mainland Spain and the Canary Islands to measure microplastic contamination in household drinking water. They found an average of about 12.5 microplastic particles per cubic meter of tap water, with synthetic fibers being the most common type detected. The study provides one of the first standardized comparisons of drinking water microplastic levels across multiple cities within a single country.
Occurrence, sampling, identification and characterization of microplastics in tap water: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis of 43 studies found that tap water contains an average of 57 microplastic particles per liter globally, with polyethylene, PET, and polypropylene as the most common polymers in fiber and fragment form. The lack of standardized sampling and analysis protocols has led to widely inconsistent results across studies, making reliable comparisons difficult.
Synthetic Microplastics in UK tap and bottled water; Implications for human exposure
Researchers tested 177 tap water samples from 13 UK cities and 85 bottled water samples from 17 brands, finding microplastics in every single sample with no meaningful difference in average concentration between tap and bottled water. Infants and toddlers were estimated to ingest four times more microplastics per kilogram of body weight than adults, raising concerns given their still-developing immune and nervous systems.
Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil
Researchers sampled tap water from Brasilia, Brazil and detected microplastics in all samples, with fibers as the dominant type and concentrations higher than many previous studies from other cities, highlighting the need for treatment infrastructure improvements and standardized monitoring.
Development of Sampling and Analytical Methods for Measuring Microplastics with Sizes Greater than 20 μm in Tap Water
Researchers (in Japan) developed an improved sampling and analysis method for measuring microplastics larger than 20 micrometers in tap water, achieving 91% recovery efficiency. The method detected microplastics from 12 different polymer types in groundwater-sourced tap water, demonstrating that even treated drinking water contains microplastic contamination.
Quantitative analysis of nanoplastics in environmental and potable waters by pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Scientists developed and validated a new method to detect and measure nine types of nanoplastics in drinking and environmental water at very low concentrations. They found nanoplastics in every water sample tested, with polyethylene, PET, polypropylene, and polystyrene being the most common at levels up to 1.17 micrograms per liter. This is one of the first studies to quantify nanoplastics in drinking water, confirming that people are regularly exposed through their tap water.
Identifying microplastic contamination in drinking water: analysis and evaluation using spectroscopic methods
Researchers developed analytical methods to identify and quantify microplastic contamination in drinking water, evaluating extraction efficiency and detection accuracy across different water types and plastic particle sizes. The study assessed health implications based on measured plastic loads in treated water.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Microplastics in Tap Water Supply Network in Iran
Researchers analyzed tap water samples from the drinking water distribution system in Isfahan, Iran, and found microplastics present in all samples tested. The most common types were fibers made of polyethylene and polypropylene, with concentrations varying across different points in the distribution network. The study estimates human microplastic exposure from tap water consumption in the region and highlights the need for improved water treatment to address this emerging contaminant.
Rapid analytical method for characterization and quantification of microplastics in tap water using a Fourier-transform infrared microscope
Researchers developed a faster FTIR microscope method for analyzing microplastics across the whole filtration area and applied it to 42 tap water samples from five countries, finding mean concentrations of 39 particles per liter with polyester fibers and PVC fragments among the most common types.
Recent occurrence of microplastics in freshwater and efficiency of available treatment technologies
Researchers reviewed six years of global data on microplastics in freshwater systems, finding them in rivers, lakes, and groundwater across five continents, with conventional water treatment removing 85–95% of larger particles but struggling with smaller fragments. The review also found that nanoplastics may be 10–100 times more common than microplastics yet remain nearly impossible to detect with current technology.
Microplastic Contamination in Drinking Water: A Review
This review summarized current research on microplastic contamination in drinking water, covering detection methods, occurrence data, and health implications. The authors found microplastics widely present in tap and bottled water worldwide and noted that conventional treatment processes remove them incompletely, raising ongoing concerns about chronic low-level human ingestion.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current Knowledge
This review summarizes current research on microplastic contamination in both tap and bottled drinking water. Researchers found that microplastics are present in both water sources, with bottled water generally containing higher concentrations than tap water, and smaller particles being more abundant. The study raises public health concerns and emphasizes the need for improved detection methods and drinking water treatment standards.