Microplastics in drinking water: Addressing human health risks and removal strategies

Abstract

Background: Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as significant environmental contaminants increasingly detected in drinking water. Originating from plastic waste, textiles, and industrial effluents, MPs can infiltrate water systems and resist conventional treatment processes. Their small size and ability to carry toxic substances such as plasticizers, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants raise serious concerns regarding human health and water safety. Methods: This study employed a narrative review approach by synthesizing literature published between 2021 and 2025 from PubMed, Dimensions AI, and ScienceDirect. The review examined the sources of MPs in drinking water, associated human health risks, detection methods, removal technologies, and existing regulatory frameworks. Findings: The review found that MPs in drinking water pose considerable health risks through chemical leaching, bioaccumulation, and physical damage. Smaller particles, particularly nanoplastics, are difficult to detect and can bypass conventional filtration systems. Exposure to MPs is associated with endocrine disruption, gastrointestinal disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and other long-term health impacts, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. Advanced treatment technologies, including nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and electrocoagulation show potential for effective removal, although economic and operational limitations hinder large-scale implementation. The study also identified major policy gaps, including the absence of standardized global regulations and safety thresholds for MPs. Conclusion: Microplastic contamination in drinking water represents a growing threat to public health and water quality management. Improved detection methods, stronger regulatory frameworks, advanced treatment technologies, and public health education are urgently needed to reduce exposure and ensure safer drinking water systems worldwide. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of microplastic contamination in drinking water by integrating health risk assessment, detection challenges, treatment technologies, and policy analysis within a single review. It highlights critical gaps in regulation and emphasizes the need for global standardization and interdisciplinary solutions.