Investigation of heavy metals adsorbed on microplastics in drinking water and water resources of Zabol
Abstract
This study investigates the presence and adsorption of heavy metals (HMs) on microplastics (MPs) in the drinking water and water resources of Zabol, Iran. Sampling was conducted at five stations in Zabol and two Chah-Nimeh reservoirs (CHWRs), the primary drinking water sources, using glass samplers and polyvinylidene fluoride membrane filters. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy identified MPs, while inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry quantified heavy metals. Results revealed that polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and polypropylene were the predominant polymers, with Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Ni adsorbed on their surfaces. Iron (Fe) exhibited the highest concentration, reaching 84 µg.L⁻¹ in CHWRs and 85 µg.L⁻¹ in the distribution network. In CHWRs the highest percentage (61%) of size of MPs were between 500 and 1000 μm, while in water distribution network maximum range of obtained MPs were between 50 and 100 μm. The average concentration of the other detected heavy metals were as: zinc (Zn) 43.9 µg.L− 1 and 7.75 µg.L− 1, manganese (Mn) 11.48 µg.L− 1 and 6.5 µg.L− 1, arsenic (As) 20.22 µg.L− 1 and 0.26 µg.L− 1, cadmium (Cd) 3.16 µg.L− 1 and 2.8 µg.L− 1, copper (Cu) 15.18 µg.L− 1 and 0.03 µg.L− 1, and nickel (Ni) 0.10 µg.L− 1 and 2.25 µg.L− 1 in distribution network and CHWRs, respectively. World Health Organization recommended the permissible limit of these cations in drinking water as 10 µg.L− 1…
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