Low numbers of microplastics detected in drinking water from ground water sources

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 648; pp. 631 - 635
• Main Authors: Mintenig, S.M., Löder, M.G.J., Primpke, S., Gerdts, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.01.2019
• Subjects: bottled water; drinking water; Drinking water purification; epoxides; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; FTIR imaging; Ground water; groundwater; habitats; Human health; image analysis; plastics; poly(vinyl chloride); polyamides; polyesters; risk; seafoods; supply chain; water purification; water supply; FTIR imaging; Human health; Drinking water purification; Ground water
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.178

Microplastic particles have been detected in various natural habitats and the digestive tracts of several species. These particles have also been reported in commercially available seafood, salt or bottled water starting discussions on potential implications for human health. To be able to assess the related risks, exposure concentrations and pathways need to be known. Here, we analysed ground water and drinking water for the presence of microplastics (>20 μm) using FTIR imaging. Samples were taken at different positions within the drinking water supply chain. Determined concentrations ranged from 0 to 7 microplastics m−3 raw water or drinking water with an overall mean of 0.7 microplastics m−3. These particles were identified as polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinylchloride or epoxy resin and between 50 and 150 μm in size. Plastic is a resistant and durable material, still, the abrasion of plastic equipment used during water purification or transport is a likely explanation for the plastic particles detected in water samples. [Display omitted] •Identification of microplastics >20 μm using FTIR imaging.•Examination of 40 m3 ground water and drinking water for microplastics.•Negligible microplastic contamination of drinking water (<1 particle m−3).