Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil

A concerning prevalence of microplastics (MPs) was detected in 100% of tap water samples collected from residential and commercial areas in Brasília, Brazil. The study, conducted between 2020 and 2021, analyzed 32 samples using fluorescence microscopy, revealing an average of 97 ± 55 particles per 500 mL in the South Wing area and 219 ± 158 particles per 500 mL in the North Wing area. MPs ranged from 6 to 50 microns in size, highlighting a significant contamination level that raises public health concerns, particularly as tap water is not the sole source of MP exposure for humans.

Pratesi, C. B., A. L. Santos Almeida, M. A., Cutrim Paz, G. S., Ramos Teotonio, M. H., Gandolfi, L., Pratesi, R., Hecht, M., & Zandonadi, R. P. (2021). Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil. Sustainability, 13(11), 6404. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116404