Determination of microplastic pollutants in tap water

Abstract

Microplastic debris (<5 mm) is a prolific pollutant present in freshwater, marine and terrestrial habitats worldwide. Persistent pollutants of growing concern are emerging microplastics. Their presence in tap water, however, remains largely unexplored. This research concentrated on assessing the abundance of microplastics in tap water with their physical characteristics of colour and type. Tap water samples from one district in Terengganu were filtered through cellulose nitrate membrane filters (Whatman, 0.45 μm, 47 mm Ø). In addition, their physical characteristics were determined and categorised by sorting performed under a dissecting microscope. The total number of microplastics observed in all samples were 536 particulate microplastics varied in all categories. Eight colours of microplastics were recorded and two types of microplastics were categorised. Therefore, this study offers an insight into the colour and types of microplastics present in tap water thus, further research is needed to fully resolve the fate and ecological risks of microplastics in water.