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Strengthening of existing water treatment procedures to respond to the presence of microplastics in the drinking water
Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava1, Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava2
1 Vice-Principal Curriculum, Member of the Medical Education Unit and Institute Research Council, Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth – Deemed to be University, Ammapettai, Nellikuppam, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth – Deemed to be University, Ammapettai, Nellikuppam, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| Date of Submission | 24-Aug-2019 |
| Date of Acceptance | 03-Dec-2019 |
| Date of Web Publication | 31-Jan-2020 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava
Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) – Deemed to be University, Tiruporur - Guduvancherry Main Road, Ammapettai, Nellikuppam, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu - 603108
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ijehe.ijehe_6_19
Sustaining optimal health and well-being requires the contribution of multiple sectors and the role of environment sector is indispensable to the attainment of the same. Different types of hazards have been attributed to microplastics, based on the extent and route of exposure. There is an indispensable need to optimize the existing waste-water and drinking-water treatment systems, as this can significantly minimize the concentration of these harmful substances. In conclusion, humans have been exposed to microplastics through a wide range of sources. Acknowledging the fact that plastics in themselves are potential threats for climate deterioration and health hazards, it is high time that adequate focus should be given towards their reduction in production and optimal treatment to eventually minimize the health risks.
Keywords: Drinking water, health, microplastics
How to cite this article:
Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS. Strengthening of existing water treatment procedures to respond to the presence of microplastics in the drinking water. Int J Env Health Eng 2020;9:1 |
How to cite this URL:
Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS. Strengthening of existing water treatment procedures to respond to the presence of microplastics in the drinking water. Int J Env Health Eng [serial online] 2020 [cited 2023 May 29];9:1. Available from: https://www.ijehe.org/text.asp?2020/9/1/1/277467 |
| Introduction | |  |
Sustaining optimal health and wellbeing requires the contribution of multiple sectors, and the role of environment sector is indispensable to the attainment of the same.[1] Even though a large number of environment pollutants have been identified and explored, the role of microplastics (plastics with length <5 mm) has not been yet studied in detail.[2],[3] It is worth noting that these substances are universal and present in abundance in the water (viz. sea, fresh, waste, and drinking water), air, and food substances.[2] The estimates about the presence of microplastics in the drinking water are minimal at present and have not been precisely estimated, but the bottom line is that we have to act together to stop the rise in plastic pollution across the globe.[3]
Potential toxicity of microplastics
Different types of hazards have been attributed to these pollutants, based on the extent to which a person has been exposed and the route of exposure.[2],[3] Apart from physical and chemical hazards, the adverse effect of biofilms (produced by microorganisms) combining with microplastics in drinking water is also worth understanding.[3],[4] Even though the present concentration of these substances in drinking water is not alarming, specific measures have to be taken to reduce their production and inactivate the pathogens through proper disinfection.[2] This is derived from the fact that regardless of the potential health risks attributed to microplastics in drinking water, the concerned stakeholders should take appropriate measures to benefit the environment as a whole.[2],[4]
Need to strengthen existing strategies
Moreover, there is an indispensable need to optimize the existing wastewater and drinking water treatment systems, as this can significantly minimize the concentration of these harmful substances.[5] In fact, the available estimates suggest that treatment of wastewater can remove in excess of 90% of microplastics.[2] Nevertheless, the remaining 10% of the microplastics cannot be removed by the conventional treatment alone and will essentially require the adoption of advanced treatment modalities, including nanofiltration.[2],[5] Apart from this, water suppliers should implement measures to ensure the removal of microorganisms and chemicals in drinking water and even optimize the water treatment process.[2],[3]
Proposed recommendations
The recent recommendations given by the international stakeholders do not envisage for the daily monitoring of these plastics, as no direct human health concern has been identified.[2] Nevertheless, strengthening of the proven measures, including reducing the use of plastics through bans, decreasing littering, and improvising recycling programs, has to be given due attention.[1],[2] Further, it is high time to undertake extensive research to identify the sources of microplastics, attributed short and long term health effects, and assess the effectiveness of various treatment procedures.[2],[5]
| Conclusion | | |
In conclusion, humans have been exposed to microplastics through a wide range of sources. Acknowledging the fact that plastics in themselves are potential threats for climate deterioration and health hazards, it is the need of the hour to give adequate focus toward their reduction in production and optimal treatment to eventually minimize the health risks.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | | |
| 1. | Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS, Ramasamy J. Encouraging collaborative efforts between environment and health sector to arrest climate deterioration. J Res Med Sci 2017;22:59.  [ PUBMED] [Full text] |
| 2. | World Health Organization. Microplastics in Drinking-Water. Geneva: WHO Press; 2019. p. 1-34. |
| 3. | Koelmans AA, Mohamed Nor NH, Hermsen E, Kooi M, Mintenig SM, De France J. Microplastics in freshwaters and drinking water: Critical review and assessment of data quality. Water Res 2019;155:410-22. |
| 4. | Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS, Ramasamy J. Preventing diseases through promotion of a healthier environment: World Health Organization. Ann Trop Med Public Health 2016;9:364-5. [Full text] |
| 5. | Novotna K, Cermakova L, Pivokonska L, Cajthaml T, Pivokonsky M. Microplastics in drinking water treatment – Current knowledge and research needs. Sci Total Environ 2019;667:730-40. |
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