The Presence and Impacts of Microplastics in Drinking Water

Abstract

This chapter discusses the issues of plastic, primarily microplastic pollution in freshwater and drinking water, with a focus on developing nations. Microplastics, generally defined as plastic particles with a size less than 5 mm, are beginning to gain attention as an emerging contaminant of concern. Whilst testing has recently begun on the contamination of freshwater and treated drinking water by microplastics in a number of developed regions, literature regarding microplastic pollution in the water of less economically developed countries is lacking. Microplastics pose a threat to human health, and therefore, it is important that cost-effective methods for the testing, detection, and removal of these plastic items from drinking water globally is considered with a higher level of urgency. It is argued that by achieving the aims laid out by the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 6 and 12, the threats from microplastic pollution will subside.