Presence and characterization of microplastics in Malaysian bottled water

SHAMSUL ARIFFIN, NUR IZZATI (2022) Presence and characterization of microplastics in Malaysian bottled water. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2022 18.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Bottled water was reported to be contaminated with microplastics by many studies globally. The occurrence of microplastics in bottled water for human consumption increases health awareness. However, there is limited data on microplastics occurrence in bottled water from Malaysia since this issue is rarely studied. Objectives: This study aims to provide understanding of microplastics occurrence and suitability of bottled water available in Malaysian market as drinking water. Methodology: Bottled water samples were collected from eight Malaysian bottled water brands. The samples were labelled from A to H. The microplastics were extracted using membrane filtration method. Microplastics occurrence were identified using microscopy method. Identification of polymer composition was done using FTIR spectroscopy. Results and Discussion: Microplastics’ size in bottled water were ranged from 73.791 μm to 6404.71 μm. Sample E has the highest particles concentration at 11.6 particles/L. Meanwhile, sample B has the lowest particles concentration at 6.2 particles/L. Transparent microplastics (96.5%) dominated the bottled water samples, blue (2.7%) and green (0.8%). Fragments (90.9%) was the major shape in bottled water samples followed by fibres (9.1%). Polymer composition of the bottled water samples was polyethylene terephthalate (95.8%) and polycarbonate (4.2%). This study result demonstrated that PETE in the bottled water possessed hazard level III based on calculation of polymer health risk index in the risk assessment model. The occurrence of microplastics in bottled water mainly originated from the packaging itself and the mechanical mechanism. Conclusion: Microplastics particles were detected in different bottled water available in Malaysian market which made the bottled water from these brands considered possessing a health risk to humans as drinking water. Keywords: microplastics, bottled water, drinking water, mineral water

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2023 04:33
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2023 04:33
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1130

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