Sink to River – River to Tap – A review of potential risks from nano-particles & microplastics

UKWIR has carried out the first study of its kind in the UK to develop a robust approach to sampling and detection of microplastic particles in the treated water cycle. This included accurately measuring the presence of microplastic particles in potable (drinking) water, treated wastewater and in the solid residues (sludge) produced by both the water and wastewater treatment processes.

UKWIR commissioned the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, a world-class research organisation focusing on land and freshwater ecosystems and their interaction with the atmosphere, to undertake this important research study for the water industry.

This research has confirmed that both the water and the wastewater treatment processes effectively remove 99.9% of microplastic particles from the final product i.e. the potable water and treated wastewater. It also demonstrates that a robust process for sample collection and analysis, free from airborne contamination, is vital to ensure accurate results.

For this project, microplastics were defined as particles >25 µm that had been captured on 10 µm filters.

You may view the report via our website by clicking this link.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Latest Posts

September 29, 2023

The Institute of Water’s Northern Area has appointed a new President, Monisha Gower, Assets Director at Northumbrian Water. Outgoing Northern…

Read more

July 7, 2023

Last Thursday evening (29th June 2023), the Welsh Area hosted the 17th Annual Innovation Awards at Chapter Arts Centre in…

Read more

June 1, 2023

In April, we opened applications for the volunteer role of Young Persons’ Network National Co-Rep to help support our YPN.…

Read more

May 5, 2023

Action to protect the environment and fix leaks must be a priority for water companies to build trust with their…

Read more