Microplastics contamination in water supply system and treatment processes

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 926; p. 171793
• Main Authors: Cao, Ngoc-Dan-Thanh, Vo, Dieu-Hien Thi, Pham, Mai-Duy-Thong, Nguyen, Van-Truc, Nguyen, Thanh-Binh, Le, Linh-Thy, Mukhtar, Hussnain, Nguyen, Huu-Viet, Visvanathan, Chettiyappan, Bui, Xuan-Thanh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 20.05.2024
• Subjects: Bottled water; Drinking water; Microplastics; Water supply; Water treatment; PP; Drinking water; Water treatment; PS; Bottled water; PEVA; PU; Water supply; HDPE; UF; PPS; DW; MBR; CE; MP; ADWTP; GAC; LCA; DWTP; PEF; PA; MWCO; PC; PEST; CAS; PE; TMP; NF; Microplastics; PVC; PAM; RO; PET; PES
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171793

Due to global demand, millions of tons of plastics have been widely consumed, resulting in the widespread entry of vast amounts of microplastic particles into the environment. The presence of microplastics (MPs) in water supplies, including bottled water, has undergone systematic review, assessing the potential impacts of MPs on humans through exposure assessment. The main challenges associated with current technologies lie in their ability to effectively treat and completely remove MPs from drinking and supply water. While the risks posed by MPs upon entering the human body have not yet been fully revealed, there is a predicted certainty of negative impacts. This review encompasses a range of current technologies, spanning from basic to advanced treatments and varying in scale. However, given the frequent detection of MPs in drinking and bottled water, it becomes imperative to implement comprehensive management strategies to address this issue effectively. Consequently, integrating current technologies with management options such as life-cycle assessment, circular economy principles, and machine learning is crucial to eliminating this pervasive problem. [Display omitted] •A range of current technologies from basic to advanced treatments were examined.•Life-cycle assessment and circular economy were integrated with current technologies.•This review delved into the presence of microplastics (MPs) in water supply sources.•Potential adverse effects of MPs on human health were limited in literature review.•It is urgent for an enhanced comprehension of the potential health hazards.