Despite advances in wastewater treatment, microplastics continue to infiltrate our drinking water, posing potential health risks, according to recent research from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Key Points at a Glance
- Microplastics are not effectively removed by current wastewater treatment technologies.
- These particles can carry harmful pollutants like PFAS and antibiotics.
- Exposure to microplastics may lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Lack of standardized testing methods hampers detection and mitigation efforts.
- Public awareness and eco-friendly consumer choices are vital in addressing the issue.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, have become a pervasive contaminant in our environment. Originating from the breakdown of larger plastic items, these particles are now found in soil, air, and notably, our water systems. Recent research from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) highlights a concerning reality: despite modern wastewater treatment processes, microplastics are still making their way into our drinking water.
The study, led by Assistant Professor Un-Jung Kim of UTA’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, involved a systematic review of existing literature on microplastics in wastewater. The findings reveal that while wastewater treatment plants can reduce the load of microplastics, complete removal is currently unattainable with existing technologies. This means that treated water, which eventually becomes part of our drinking supply, still contains these microscopic pollutants.
One of the alarming aspects of microplastics is their ability to act as carriers for other harmful substances. Dr. Kim notes that microplastics can transport residual pollutants present in wastewater, such as Bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and antibiotics. These substances, even in trace amounts, can pose significant health risks. Exposure to such contaminants through everyday activities like drinking water, doing laundry, or watering plants could lead to long-term health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
A significant challenge in addressing the microplastics problem is the lack of standardized testing methods. The study’s lead author, Jenny Kim Nguyen, emphasizes that the effectiveness of treatment processes varies depending on the technology used and the methods employed to measure microplastics. Without a unified approach to define and detect microplastics, it becomes difficult to assess the true extent of contamination and the efficacy of treatment methods.
Nguyen, who began this research as an undergraduate in Dr. Kim’s Environmental Chemistry Lab and is now pursuing a master’s degree at UTA, is working on developing standardized experimental protocols for studying microplastics in air and water. Such efforts are crucial in creating a consistent framework for detection and mitigation strategies.
The research also underscores the importance of public awareness in combating microplastic pollution. Consumers can play a pivotal role by making eco-friendly choices, such as opting for clothing and textiles with less plastic content. Microfibers from synthetic fabrics are among the most common microplastics released into wastewater. By reducing the use of such materials, individuals can contribute to decreasing the overall microplastic load in the environment.
Funding for this project was provided by UTA’s Research Enhancement Program, which supports multidisciplinary research initiatives. The study’s findings not only highlight the limitations of current wastewater treatment technologies but also call for a concerted effort from researchers, policymakers, and the public to address the growing concern of microplastic contamination in our water systems.
Source: University of Texas at Arlington
