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Gálvez-Blanca V, Edo C, González-Pleiter M, Fernández-Piñas F, Leganés F, Rosal R. Microplastics and non-natural cellulosic particles in Spanish bottled drinking water. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11089. [PMID: 38750101 PMCID: PMC11096351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This investigation explored the presence of microplastics (MPs) and artificial cellulosic particles (ACPs) in commercial water marketed in single use 1.5 L poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. In this work we determined a mass concentration of 1.61 (1.10-2.88) µg/L and 1.04 (0.43-1.82) µg/L for MPs and ACPs respectively in five top-selling brands from the Spanish bottled water market. Most MPs consisted of white and transparent polyester and polyethylene particles, while most ACPs were cellulosic fibers likely originating from textiles. The median size of MPs and ACPs was 93 µm (interquartile range 76-130 µm) and 77 µm (interquartile range 60-96 µm), respectively. Particle mass size distributions were fitted to a logistic function, enabling comparisons with other studies. The estimated daily intake of MPs due to the consumption of bottled water falls within the 4-18 ng kg-1 day-1 range, meaning that exposure to plastics through bottled water probably represents a negligible risk to human health. However, it's worth noting that the concentration of plastic found was much higher than that recorded for tap water, which supports the argument in favour of municipal drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Gálvez-Blanca
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Edo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Negrete Velasco A, Ellero A, Ramseier Gentile S, Zimmermann S, Ramaciotti P, Stoll S. Impact of a nanofiltration system on microplastic contamination in Geneva groundwater (Switzerland). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13512-13522. [PMID: 38253831 PMCID: PMC10881595 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31940-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been observed in the oceans, fresh waters, karstic water and remote water bodies. However, little is known on groundwater contamination, which is a natural resource of utmost importance for millions of people and is often perceived as a reliable source of water. Moreover, nanofiltration is perceived as a reliable technology to remove contaminants from water. In this study, large sample volumes of a silty-sandy gravel aquifer and the corresponding nanofiltered water were analysed for the presence of MPs (> 20 µm) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. Concentration in ground water was 8 ± 7 MPs/m3 and increased to 36 ± 11 MPs/m3 in nanofiltered water. All MPs had a maximum Ferret diameter lower than 500 µm. Size distribution of MPs was towards the small size class (20-50 µm). In groundwater, 33% of MPs were detected in the smallest size class (20-50 µm) and 67% in the 50-100-µm-size class. In comparison, around 52% of MPs in nanofiltered water were observed in the 20-50 µm size class. Moreover, 33% of the MPs observed in nanofiltered water were in the 50-100 µm size class and 15% in the 100-500-µm-size class. From a chemical point of view, different plastic polymers were identified in groundwater and in nanofiltered water, such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene (vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and other polymer materials (such as polystyrene-based copolymers, vinyl-based copolymers). Fibres were observed in all samples, but only a small number of fibres (near 1%) were identified as PP synthetic fibres in nanofiltered water. Furthermore, no clear difference of fibre concentrations was observed between groundwater (232 ± 127 fibres/m3) and nanofiltered water (247 ± 118 fibres/m3). Groundwater had extremely low levels of microplastics, and although the nanofiltration effectively removes suspended particulate matter, it slightly contaminates the filtered water with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Negrete Velasco
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Science, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 66, Boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Alicia Ellero
- SIG, Industrial Boards of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Serge Stoll
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Science, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 66, Boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Contreras-Llin A, Diaz-Cruz MS. Microplastic removal in managed aquifer recharge using wastewater effluent. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:122967. [PMID: 38030113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental issue, with its impacts on ecosystems and human health yet to be fully understood. This study aims to investigate the presence and distribution of MPs in the soil of a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) system, built with different reactive barriers of natural materials and irrigated with the secondary effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). MPs were extracted from reactive barrier material following an approach based on the density separation of MPs with posterior oxidant digestion, combined with visual and chemical characterisation by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results revealed the widespread occurrence of MPs in the MAR soil samples. MPs concentration in the different barrier materials ranged from 60 to 236 n kg-1. The most dominant morphologies were fragments (60%) and fibers (17%), and the most abundant colour was white (51%), followed by transparent MPs (20%). Polypropylene (PP) was detected in all the samples with an abundance of 47%, followed by polyethylene (PE, 34%). The interplay of barrier composition significantly influences the retention of MPs, with compost (T5) and woodchips (T4) exhibiting the most notable retention rates. Remarkably, the outer layers of the reactive barriers display superior retention compared to the deeper layers. The findings of this study demonstrate the good performance of the MAR system in retaining MPs and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on MPs pollution in freshwater systems while providing insights into the dynamics of MPs transport and accumulation in soil. Such information can inform the development of effective wastewater management strategies to mitigate the impacts of these pollutants on water resources and safeguard the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Contreras-Llin
- ENFOCHEM, Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA) Severo Ochoa Excellence Center, Spanish Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Silvia Diaz-Cruz
- ENFOCHEM, Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA) Severo Ochoa Excellence Center, Spanish Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Stefan DS, Bosomoiu M, Teodorescu G. The Behavior of Polymeric Pipes in Drinking Water Distribution System-Comparison with Other Pipe Materials. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3872. [PMID: 37835921 PMCID: PMC10575437 DOI: 10.3390/polym15193872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The inner walls of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) are expected to be clean to ensure a safe quality of drinking water. Complex physical, chemical, and biological processes take place when water comes into contact with the pipe surface. This paper describes the impact of leaching different compounds from the water supply pipes into drinking water and subsequent risks. Among these compounds, there are heavy metals. It is necessary to prevent these metals from getting into the DWDS. Those compounds are susceptible to impacting the quality of the water delivered to the population either by leaching dangerous chemicals into water or by enhancing the development of microorganism growth on the pipe surface. The corrosion process of different pipe materials, scale formation mechanisms, and the impact of bacteria formed in corrosion layers are discussed. Water treatment processes and the pipe materials also affect the water composition. Pipe materials act differently in the flowing and stagnation conditions. Moreover, they age differently (e.g., metal-based pipes are subjected to corrosion while polymer-based pipes have a decreased mechanical resistance) and are susceptible to enhanced bacterial film formation. Water distribution pipes are a dynamic environment, therefore, the models that are used must consider the changes that occur over time. Mathematical modeling of the leaching process is complex and includes the description of corrosion development over time, correlated with a model for the biofilm formation and the disinfectants-corrosion products and disinfectants-biofilm interactions. The models used for these processes range from simple longitudinal dispersion models to Monte Carlo simulations and 3D modeling. This review helps to clarify what are the possible sources of compounds responsible for drinking water quality degradation. Additionally, it gives guidance on the measures that are needed to maintain stable and safe drinking water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Simina Stefan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.S.S.); (G.T.)
| | - Magdalena Bosomoiu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.S.S.); (G.T.)
| | - Georgeta Teodorescu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.S.S.); (G.T.)
- Doctoral School, Specialization of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
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Lin YD, Huang PH, Chen YW, Hsieh CW, Tain YL, Lee BH, Hou CY, Shih MK. Sources, Degradation, Ingestion and Effects of Microplastics on Humans: A Review. TOXICS 2023; 11:747. [PMID: 37755757 PMCID: PMC10534390 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Celluloid, the predecessor to plastic, was synthesized in 1869, and due to technological advancements, plastic products appear to be ubiquitous in daily life. The massive production, rampant usage, and inadequate disposal of plastic products have led to severe environmental pollution. Consequently, reducing the employment of plastic has emerged as a pressing concern for governments globally. This review explores microplastics, including their origins, absorption, and harmful effects on the environment and humans. Several methods exist for breaking down plastics, including thermal, mechanical, light, catalytic, and biological processes. Despite these methods, microplastics (MPs, between 1 and 5 mm in size) continue to be produced during degradation. Acknowledging the significant threat that MPs pose to the environment and human health is imperative. This form of pollution is pervasive in the air and food and infiltrates our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It is essential to assess the potential hazards that MPs can introduce. There is evidence suggesting that MPs may have negative impacts on different areas of human health. These include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems, the liver and organs, the skin, and even the placenta and placental barrier. It is encouraging to see that most of the countries have taken steps to regulate plastic particles. These measures aim to reduce plastic usage, which is essential today. At the same time, this review summarizes the degradation mechanism of plastics, their impact on human health, and plastic reduction policies worldwide. It provides valuable information for future research on MPs and regulatory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Duan Lin
- Department of Seafood Science, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; (Y.-D.L.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Ping-Hsiu Huang
- School of Food, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, No.4, Meicheng Road, Higher Education Park, Huai’an 223003, China;
| | - Yu-Wei Chen
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (C.-W.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Chang-Wei Hsieh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (C.-W.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Bao-Hong Lee
- Department of Horticulture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Yao Hou
- Department of Seafood Science, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; (Y.-D.L.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Ming-Kuei Shih
- Graduate Institute of Food Culture and Innovation, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Kaohsiung 812301, Taiwan
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Acarer S. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in drinking water treatment plants, distribution systems, water from refill kiosks, tap waters and bottled waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 884:163866. [PMID: 37142004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Limited research studies have revealed the presence of microplastics (MPs) of different polymer types, shapes, and sizes in drinking water sources, influents of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), effluents of DWTPs, tap water, and bottled water. Reviewing the available information on MP pollution in waters, which is becoming more worrying in correlation with the increasing plastic production in the world every year, is noteworthy for understanding the current situation, identifying the deficiencies in the studies, and taking the necessary measures for public health as soon as possible. Therefore, this paper, in which the abundance, characteristics, and removal efficiencies of MPs in the processes from raw water to tap water and/or bottled water are reviewed is a guide for dealing with MP pollution in drinking water. In this paper, firstly, the sources of MPs in raw waters are briefly reviewed. In addition, the abundance, and characteristics (polymer type, shape, and size) of MPs in influents and effluents of DWTPs in different countries are reviewed and the effects of treatment stages (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, sand filtration, disinfection, and membrane filtration) of DWTPs on MP removal efficiency and the factors that are effective in removal are discussed. Moreover, studies on the factors affecting MP release from drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) to treated water and the abundance and characteristics of MPs in tap water, bottled water and water from refill kiosks are reviewed. Finally, the deficiencies in the studies dealing with MPs in drinking water were identified and recommendations for future studies are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Acarer
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, 34320 İstanbul, Turkey.
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