Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of microplastics in drinking water along a large distribution water supply network. Tap water was collected in situ at sampling cabinets using an in-line sampling procedure that provided a representative sample with minimal risk of external c...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Dalmau-Soler, Joan, Ballesteros-Cano, Rubèn, Ferrer, Núria, Boleda, M. Rosa, Lacorte Bruguera, Silvia
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/309508
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/309508
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85119847312
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Polypropylene
Drinking water supply network
FTIR spectroscopy
Microplastics
Polyester
Tap water
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Descripción
Sumario:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of microplastics in drinking water along a large distribution water supply network. Tap water was collected in situ at sampling cabinets using an in-line sampling procedure that provided a representative sample with minimal risk of external contamination and avoided the transportation of large volumes to the laboratory. Microplastics > 50 μm were analysed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Microplastics were detected in 38% of samples with a mean concentration of 0.01 microplastics per litre and polymers identified were polypropylene (PP), polyester (PES) and polyamide (PA). Detection of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicone particles were associated to the maintenance of cabinets. This study contributes to increase the knowledge regarding the presence and behaviour of microplastics throughout a large drinking water supply network providing water to 3 000 000 inhabitants. Results indicate that the pipes and the supply network not release microplastics into the drinking water.