Water is essential for human life and serves as an exposure pathway for microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP). MNP have been detected in drinking water, raising concerns about the extent of human exposure in various regions. Both tap water and bottled water have been identified as potential sources of MNPs contamination. Understanding the presence and distribution of MNPs in drinking water is of paramount importance for public health and environmental management. To date, the potential health effects of MNPs exposure through water consumption are poorly understood globally, necessitating targeted research efforts to address this knowledge gap.
Outcomes
This project aimed to provide valuable insights into the extent of MNPs contamination in drinking water (i.e., publicly accessible municipal tap, public bottle fill station and plastic bottled water) from Ottawa, Canada. The mass concentrations and size distribution of eight selected polymer types including polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), nylon 6, and nylon 66 were quantified using Pyrolysis GC/MS.
Research Impact
By combining the MNPs data with volume of water typically consumed, the project estimated human exposure levels to MNPs in Ottawa, Canada. The findings were presented in a forecast by The Minderoo Foundation online (https://plasticforecast.com/), and on multiple advertisement media in Ottawa during the United Nations Environmental Programmes Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee’s 4th meeting on the Global Plastics Treaty.
