An Investigative Study on the Prevalence of Microplastics in Commercial Bottled and Jar Water: A Nepalese Perspective

Abstract

MPs contamination in drinking water has become a global concern due to its impact on human health and the environment. This study investigated the presence and extent of MPs contamination in commercially available bottled and jar water in Nepal. A total of 56 samples from 11 brands were collected. Approximately 120 L of water was used for visual enumeration using a stereomicroscope, while another 120 L was used for polymeric analysis using μ-FTIR. The results revealed the presence of MPs in 100% of the samples, with an average concentration of 286 ± 42 MPs/L in jar water and 232 ± 28 MPs/L in bottled water. The lowest MPs concentration in bottled water was 107 ± 23 MPs/L, while the highest level of concentration was 365 ± 15 MPs/L. The fragments dominated fibers in all samples, with an abundance of 91% in bottles and 94% in jars. The particles ranging from 6.7–5,000 μm were identified. On average, fibers were more common in the size range of 100–500 μm, while fragments were more common in 20–50 μm in both bottles and jars. The most dominant polymer type was Ethylene/propylene copolymer (43%), followed by PET (32%), PE (11%), and PP (7%). Particles in various colors, including transparent, black, yellow, red, blue, and green, were observed, with transparent being the most common. The Terai region had the highest MPs concentration at 261 ± 28 MPs/L, followed by the Himalayan 209 ± 20 MPs/L and Hilly regions 196 ± 29 MPs/L.