From freshwater to drinking water and fish
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm, have emerged as ubiquitous environmental contaminants due to the widespread use and persistence of plastics. They originate both from the degradation of larger plastic debris and from intentionally produced small particles. MPs have been detected across environmental compartments, including freshwater systems, and even within the human body, raising concerns about potential exposure and risks. This thesis aimed to investigate the occurrence of MPs in freshwater environments and related consumption products, specifically drinking water and fish, while contributing to the advancement of reliable analytical methodologies. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) was employed as the primary analytical technique due to its ability to provide size-independent, quantitative, and polymer-specific data. Complementary use of micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) enabled particle-based characterization. Urban surface water in Amsterdam was analyzed across seasons and locations, revealing higher MP concentrations in summer and in densely urbanized canals. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the dominant polymers, and MP concentrations were positively correlated with suspended particulate matter. In drinking water systems, raw water contained relatively high MP concentrations, while treatment processes achieved removal efficiencies of 97–98%. Consequently, tap water…
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