Microplásticos em águas para abastecimento: breve revisão sistemática sobre os desafios dos sistemas convencionais de tratamento

Abstract

The increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) in drinking-water sources poses a potential risk to human health and intensifies concerns about the effectiveness of conventional treatment systems in removing these emerging contaminants. This study presents a systematic literature review carried out in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, identifying 28 studies that address three central aspects: (i) the efficiency of coagulation, sedimentation and filtration steps, with removal rates ranging from 52 % to 99 %; (ii) the formation of toxic by-products during disinfection when MPs are present such as trihalomethanes and haloacetonitriles; and (iii) technological innovations with scale-up potential, such as modified filter media and natural coagulants. The findings highlight the need for standard methods, technological advancement and regulatory updates to ensure drinking-water safety in the face of MP contamination.