Micro- and Nanoplastics in Drinking Water

KEY INSIGHTS

  • Micro- and nanoplastics are present in drinking water systems: Studies of full-scale drinking water treatment plants show that microplastics are found in source water and throughout treatment, while data on nanoplastics are more limited.
  • Coagulation and filtration can remove microplastics: Evidence from full-scale and bench-scale studies shows that coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation (CFS), followed by filtration, can be an effective treatment sequence, although results can vary considerably. Advanced plants generally achieve higher removal.
  • Inconsistent methods limit clear conclusions: Differences in sampling locations, particle size categories, analytical techniques, and reporting make it difficult to compare results across studies, especially for smaller particles.
  • Micro- and nanoplastics pose unique risk and regulatory challenges: Wide variation in particle size, shape, and polymer type complicates toxicity assessment and makes MNPs harder to regulate than many conventional contaminants.
  • Early regulatory options can be defined: The research points to developing initial regulatory approaches for microplastics in drinking water, using existing risk-based drinking water frameworks, while monitoring and methods continue to improve.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR MONITORING, POLICY, AND PRACTICE

  • Shows which treatment steps remove microplastics most effectively: Analysis of full-scale and bench-scale studies shows that coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation (CFS), followed by filtration, can be an effective combination for removing microplastics, although results varied considerably. Advanced treatment plants generally achieve higher removal, while performance can vary more for smaller particles and nanoplastics.
  • Pinpoints gaps and concrete needs for monitoring methods: The review points to the need for consistent intake and effluent sampling, standardized size categories, clear reporting of treatment steps, and harmonized analytical approaches to improve comparability across studies.
  • Defines a practical starting point for regulation: The proposed framework suggests including consideration of particle size and concentration ranges, and drawing on existing drinking water risk-assessment approaches.

RESEARCH PROCESS

This research examined how micro- and nanoplastics occur in drinking water systems, how effectively they are removed during treatment, and how they might be addressed through regulation. It synthesized findings from a large body of published studies, including full-scale drinking water treatment plant surveys and bench-scale experiments, with particular attention to coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation (CFS) and filtration processes. The analysis highlighted wide variability in reported microplastics abundance and removal performance, driven by differences in particle characteristics, treatment configurations, and measurement methods.

The research also reviewed emerging evidence on potential toxicological impacts and examined existing drinking water standards to identify how current regulatory approaches could be adapted for micro- and nanoplastics. Based on these insights, a potential regulatory framework was proposed that reflects both the unique properties of MNPs and practical constraints related to monitoring, cost, and feasibility.

This work was conducted as a literature-based Master’s research project and provides an integrated foundation for future research, method standardization, and the development of drinking water guidance for micro- and nanoplastics.

RESEARCHERS & COLLABORATORS

Huck

Prof. Peter M. Huck
Professor (currently Distinguished Emeritus), University of Waterloo: Expert in drinking water treatment and water quality, with extensive experience in evaluating emerging contaminants and treatment performance.

Jaita Saha

Jaita Saha
MASc Researcher, University of Waterloo: Led comprehensive literature synthesis and data analysis on micro- and nanoplastics occurrence, removal, toxicity, and regulatory considerations in drinking water systems.

Sigrid

Prof. Sigrid Peldszus
Research Professor (currently retired), University of Waterloo: Expert in chemical aspects of drinking water treatment and water quality, co-supervisor of Jaita Saha.



Key collaborators and partners
Sigrid Peldszus, Mahmoud H. Badawy, and international academic and industry collaborators contributed expertise in treatment processes, regulation, and applied water research.

KEY PUBLICATIONS