Microplastic particles is a question that has evolved in the press far beyond the data, which are undecipherable. There are about 50 published 'studies' that are fraught with analytical uncertainties and methodological flaws. The counts in drinking water are small -maybe up to about 100 per liter in some cases, including bottled water. The real exposures would be from filter feeders like mussels and oysters. The potential risks are from particulates and potential transport of absorbed organic chemicals. The latter is possible but the quantities would be very small if they were desorbed after ingestion. (powdered carbon is an antidote for some poisonings). Some toxicants might actually be absorbed by particulates after ingestion. So, chemical transport to GI is of questionable concern. Regarding particulate toxicity, keep in mind that asbestos particles of a particular type and size aspect ratio are the concern. For perspective, the US drinking water standard is 10,000,000 fibers per liter longer than 10 microns. That exposure never occurs.
Published by Joseph Cotruvo, President at Joseph Cotruvo & Associates, Water , Environment and Public Health
Microplastic particles is a question that has evolved in the press far beyond the data, which are undecipherable. There are about 50 published 'studies' that are fraught with analytical uncertainties and methodological flaws. The counts in drinking water are small -maybe up to about 100 per liter in some cases, including bottled water. The real exposures would be from filter feeders like mussels and oysters. The potential risks are from particulates and potential transport of absorbed organic chemicals. The latter is possible but the quantities would be very small if they were desorbed after ingestion. (powdered carbon is an antidote for some poisonings). Some toxicants might actually be absorbed by particulates after ingestion. So, chemical transport to GI is of questionable concern. Regarding particulate toxicity, keep in mind that asbestos particles of a particular type and size aspect ratio are the concern. For perspective, the US drinking water standard is 10,000,000 fibers per liter longer than 10 microns. That exposure never occurs.