Microplastics in drinking water? Present state of knowledge and open questions

Oßmann, Barbara E.

doi:10.1016/j.cofs.2021.02.011

Cited by 57 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…These results suggest that fragments and fibres < 10 μm are very abundant in drinking water and should not be neglected, as reported in a recent comprehensive review (Novotna et al, 2019). Considering the different studies in drinking water, the high variability of concentrations detected, types of polymers, shape and dimensions of MPs suggest that still today the methods used for the analysis of MPs are not harmonized in terms of sampling, preconcentration and determination (Koelmans et al, 2019; Oßmann, 2021).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network

Dalmau-Soler¹,

Ballesteros-Cano

Ferrer

et al. 2021

Water & Environment J

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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.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network

Dalmau-Soler¹,

Ballesteros-Cano

Ferrer

et al. 2021

Water & Environment J

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“…In foodstuffs, MNPLs can be present in animals which are contaminated through their environment or food chains, as happens with seafood ( Santillo et al, 2017 ) for example, and also they can be contaminated during their production processes or packaging ( Lau and Wong, 2000 ; Mason et al, 2018 ; Du et al, 2020 ). In the case of drinking water, MPL contamination can come from pipes, filters, or bottles ( Oßmann, 2021 ). In addition to a portion of MNPLs that we can ingest incidentally, such as the MPLs that are present in some toothpaste formulas.…”

Section: Main Routes Of Human Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this case, the results were highly dependent on the different analytical approaches used, ranging from optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), techniques based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, and Raman spectrometry, and their capacity to measure the range of the smallest particles. Harmonised methods are urgently needed for drinking water and other food matrices ( Oßmann, 2021 ). Moreover, in the case of drinking water it is particularly relevant to measure the range from NPLs to a few μm, as well as the combination with other analytical techniques that are able to provide polymer concentrations per litre of water, such as liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) ( Schirinzi et al, 2019 ) or gas chromatography pyrolysis mass spectrometry (GC-Pyr-MS) because concentrations in terms of the mass of polymer in water can differ in the counting particles of each polymer, and other techniques are not able to provide an assessment of NPLs.…”

Section: Main Routes Of Human Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

Current Insights into Potential Effects of Micro-Nanoplastics on Human Health by in-vitro Tests

Llorca

Farré

2021

Front. Toxicol.

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Humans are exposed to micro and nanoplastics (MNPLs) through inhalation, ingestion and, to a lesser extent, dermal contact. In recent years, new insights indicate the potential of MNPLs to cause damages to human health. Particle toxicity can include oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions, and then increased internalization or translocation through tissues. On the other hand, plastic additives are used in plastic particles, once internalized, can release toxic substances. It is noteworthy that the potential effects of MNPLs encompass a wide range of polymers and chemical additives, showing various physicochemical and toxicological properties, and the size, shape and surface properties are other variables influencing their effects. In spite of the research carried out recently, MNPLs research is in its early stages, and further investigation is required. In this review article, the knowledge of human exposure routes and the recent results on the toxicological effects of MNPLs in human health are presented and discussed. Finally, the current limitations and the main gaps in the body of knowledge are summarised.

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“…For nanoplastics, there are no data reporting environmental exposure, largely because there are no validated detection methods and no reference materials available. Since the physiological toxicity of MNPs will likely differ depending on particle size, shape, surface area and polymer composition, there is a need to better understand both exposure to MNPs and the associated toxicities, particularly for MNPs < 10 μm [14][15][16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond microplastics - investigation on health impacts of submicron and nanoplastic particles after oral uptake in vitro

et al. 2022

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The continuously increasing use of plastics is supposed to result in a rising exposure of MNPs to humans. Available data on human health risks of microplastics after oral uptake increased immensely in the past years and indicates very likely only low risks after oral consumption. Concerning nanoplastics, uptake, transport and potential adverse effects after oral uptake are less well understood. This study aims to investigate differences between microplastic particles and particles in the submicron- and nanoscaled size derived from food-relevant polymers with a particle size range consistent with higher potential for cellular uptake, fate, and effects when applied to human intestinal and liver cells. This work includes the development of cellular and subcellular detection methods for synthetic polymeric particles in the micro- and nanometer-range, using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Small-Angle X-ray and Dynamic Light Scattering methods, Asymmetric Flow Field Flow Fractionation, octanol-water fractionation, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Polylactic acid (250 nm and 2 μm (polydisperse)), melamine formaldehyde (366 nm) and polymethylmethacrylate (25 nm) were thoroughly characterized. The submicro- and nanoplastic test particles showed an increased uptake and transport quantity through intestinal cells. Both types of particles resulted in observed differences of uptake behavior, most likely influenced by different lipophilicity, which varied between the polymeric test materials. Toxic effects were detected after 24 h only in overload situations for the particles in the submicrometer range. This study provides further evidence for gastrointestinal uptake of submicro- and nanoplastics and points towards differences regarding bioavailability between microplastics and smaller plastic particles that may result following the ingestion of contaminated food and beverages. Furthermore, the results reinforce the importance for studying nanoplastics of different materials of varying size, surface properties, polymer composition and hydrophobicity.

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Microplastics in drinking water? Present state of knowledge and open questions

Cited by 57 publications

References 40 publications

Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network

Microplastics throughout a tap water supply network

Current Insights into Potential Effects of Micro-Nanoplastics on Human Health by in-vitro Tests

Beyond microplastics - investigation on health impacts of submicron and nanoplastic particles after oral uptake in vitro

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