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The water industry has backed the recent call by World Health Organisation (WHO) for further research into the impact of microplastics on its operations and activities.
It follows a report from the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), which showed the amount of microplastics found in untreated water contained an average of 4.9 particles per litre, compared to 0.00011 particles per litre of treated water.
The study showed low levels of particles in drinking water but highlighted the need to reduce single-use plastics entering the waterways.
The study from the UKWIR that showed 99.9 per cent of microplastic particles are removed through the drinking water treatment process.
An average of 0.00011 microplastic particles are found in a litre of drinking water, which is testament to the efficacy of water treatment as particles are removed into wastewater sludge.
Up to 4,000 particles of microplastics are found in a gram of wastewater sludge as the amount of plastics in our waterways continues to rise.
Sludge from municipal sewage treatment plants is applied to agricultural areas as a supplement to traditional fertilisers. These applications are generally well regulated for any hazardous substances but also contain microplastics.
The report recommended the development of standard processes with Quality Assurance (QA) systems to minimise contamination, as well as reinforcing the call for further research into the potential impact of presence of microplastics in waterways, including sludge.
The water industry is therefore calling for a new measures to control the causes of microplastics at source such as synthetic clothes being washed, wear from car tyres as well and broken down litter washing into drains and sewers.
The study, carried out by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) for UKWIR, analysed samples taken over a seven-month period from eight water treatment works and eight wastewater treatment works across the UK.
It confirmed that both water and wastewater treatment processes effectively remove microplastic particles from the final product – potable water and treated wastewater.
The water sector is planning further research to better understand microplastics and their impact on the industry’s operations and activities. The findings and recommendations from this research will be used to inform discussions between the water industry, regulators and stakeholders to define and develop the next research steps.
Michael Roberts, chief executive at Water UK said: “While the vast majority of microplastics are removed in the treatment process, we aren’t complacent and therefore will support UKWIR in undertaking further research to understand the true nature and impact of this hidden problem.
“Action from government, industry and the public remain critical to prevent these microplastics entering our water system and wider environment in the first place. Tackling our over reliance on plastics and improving end of life collection will be the only way to effectively address any risks from such pollutants.”
Treated wastewater was found to contain an average of 5.1 microplastic particles per litre.
The most common type of plastic polymers found were polystyrene – commonly found in food service containers and many household goods – and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which is commonly used in manufacturing.
The study from the World Health Organisation (WHO) last month suggested there is no evidence that shows a risk to human health posed by the presence of microplastics in water but recognised the need for further research.
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