08. Evaluation of microplastic pollution in bottled drinking water in Phu Tho province

Abstract

Microplastic pollution (1 µm to 5 mm) is currently a major problem for ecosystems as well as human health on a global scale. Owning the ability to widely disperse as well as accumulate easily in the organism infected. In this study, we introduce the results of microplastic pollution assessment in four types of bottled drinking water purchased in Phu Tho province in July 2022. The contamination level in fruit juice is up to 43 microplastics/liter, much higher than in herbal drinks, natural mineral water and carbonated soft drinks (ranging from 1 to 5 microplastics/liter). Fiber microplastics account for 95 % of the time and mainly have striking colors (red, purple and blue). The size of microplastics in carbonated soft drinks is approximately 200 % larger than in the other three drinks. Materials and manufacturing processes may be closely related to microplastic contamination in the four study subjects. Storage factors (temperature, humidity and light) were evaluated for various time periods. There was no big difference in microplastic concentrations in natural mineral water and orange juice after 6 months of storage. Light is said to be more influential than humidity and temperature. However, it is necessary to invest in further research on the nature of microplastic pollution, monitor the quality of raw materials and production processes and develop microplastic standards for bottled drinking water products in order to protect human health