Microplastic pollution of drinking water in a metropolis
Microplastic pollution of drinking water in a metropolis
Publication Year:
2023
Authors:
Buyukunal, Serkan Kemal; Koluman, Ahmet; Muratoglu, Karlo
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Summary:
Investigate the presence and sources of microplastic pollution in drinking water in a rural area of central Mexico, and to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with microplastic ingestion.
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Resource Information
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify microplastics (MPs) in drinking water from various sources in İstanbul that are known to pose potential health risks. One hundred drinking water samples were analysed. Samples were filtered with a glass filter (Ø: 1.0 μm). After filtration, microscopy was used, followed by SEM-EDS and ATR-FTIR identification to characterise MPs. Two shapes (fibers and fragments) and eight polymer types of MPs (ethylene propylene, neoprene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer) with sizes of 12–4892 µm (548 ± 777 µm) were detected. These MPs abundances ranged from 10 to 390 MP L−1 (134 ± 93 MP L−1). In the identification of MPs detected in filters by FTIR spectroscopy, bisphenol A, which is used in the production of various plastics and described as an important public health problem, was detected in 9.74% of MPs. Within the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP has a specific objective of ensuring access to safe, affordable drinking water (SDG 6). With a clear statement, it should be emphasised that MPs are a significant barrier to the provision of safe drinking water, and a comprehensive plan for overcoming this barrier should be developed.
Resource Type
Journal Article
Publication Year
2023
Author
Buyukunal, Serkan Kemal; Koluman, Ahmet; Muratoglu, Karlo
Language
English
Relevant Country
Turkey
Specific Contaminants
Other Chemicals, Ethylene propylene, Neoprene, Polyethylene, Polyethylene terephthalate, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl chloride, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer
University Affiliation
İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Pamukkale University
Business Connect Takeaways
Microplastic pollution is a growing concern for drinking water quality, and more research is needed to understand the extent and impact of this pollution on human health
Microplastics can enter drinking water sources through a variety of pathways, including wastewater treatment plants, agricultural runoff, and atmospheric deposition.
Treatment technologies such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis can effectively remove microplastics from drinking water, but these technologies may not be feasible or affordable in low-resource settings