Microplastics in Drinking Water: A Review of Sources, Removal, Detection, Occurrence, and Potential Risks

The emergence of microplastics (MPs) in drinking water supply systems has become a significant environmental challenge. Although the potential impacts of MPs in drinking water on human health remain incompletely understood, the ingestion of MPs through drinking water has raised substantial public concern regarding health risks. This review synthesizes contemporary scientific advances focusing on the following: I. the sources and fate of MPs in drinking water supply chains; II. comparative assessment of removal at treatment; III. detection techniques based on microscopy, spectroscopic, and thermal methods; and IV. the potential hazards of MPs to human health. This study aims to provide novel insights into understanding the threats posed by MPs in drinking water and to facilitate the development of effective monitoring strategies.