Detection and public health risk assessment of microplastics in disposable (PET) bottled water produced and sold locally in the Aegean Region

Intensive use of plastic has led to the accumulation of plastics in all ecosystems and inevitable environmental pollution. Plastic wastes have undergone structural degradation with the effect of environmental factors and have been disintegrated into nano and microparticles; thus, might accumulate in living organisms and reach unpredictable levels in the food chain. In recent years, the impacts of these particles called "microplastics" (MP’s) have become one of the most important issues in the scientific world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible presence of MP’s in drinking water, that represents the most important nutrition element for human beings. For this purpose, samples of 6 different brands of disposable (PET) bottles produced and sold locally were examined. A total of 36 samples in bottles with 2 different volumes were analyzed in accordance with international standards and the results were evaluated. As a result of the study, the presence of MP’s was detected in all samples analyzed. A total of 207 MP’s were found in 36 samples. As a result of the analysis, a mean of 7.35 ± 9.66 MP L^-1 particles was detected. It was determined that the most dominant type in terms of shape was fiber (91%), the most dominant type in terms of color was blue (57%) and the most dominant type in terms of size was 0.1-1 mm (71%). When Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) rates were calculated for public health risk assessment, it was determined that the most affected group is the 3-6 age group (EDI _(avg) = 0.42). The importance of making recycling more widespread, raising awareness of consumers and making the necessary legal regulations on the issue was emphasized in order to reduce the problem at its source.