Analytical Methods for Microplastic Detection in Drinking Water
Citation:
Potter, P. Analytical Methods for Microplastic Detection in Drinking Water. 20th Annual EPA Drinking Water Workshop (2023), Cincinnati, OH, September 11 - 14, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
Plastics breakdown into micro- (< 5 mm) and nano-sized (<100 nm) particles when they undergo environmental exposure and aging. While these microplastics have been studied in many geographic regions, there are still many questions about their origins. Drinking water is a direct pathway for human exposure to microplastics. There are critical research gaps in the field of microplastic remediation in drinking water treatment. The gaps highlighted in this presentation should influence future studies on microplastics fate in drinking water treatment and microplastic toxicity assessments. This perspective may be useful to a variety of government and academic researchers investigating microplastics.
Description:
Microplastic contamination raises concerns in drinking water quality due to difficulties in removing them during treatment and potential for contaminant leaching. EPA’s Office of Research and Development is interested in developing sampling and analytical methods for microplastic detection, along with investigating their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Microplastic characterization capabilities at EPA’s research labs in Cincinnati, Ohio will be presented. Special attention will be paid to applications and specific obstacles regarding drinking water matrices. Current and planned work in this field will be discussed.