PREVALENCE OF MICROPLASTIC IN DRINKING WATER IN PALESTINE

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have become a significant pollution problem in recent years, attracting increased attention because they are detected across diverse environments and may affect human health. They are microscopic particles, the size less than 5 millimeters, which can enter drinking water—whether tap water or bottled water—through different sources and ways. This research tests the existence of MPs in drinking water, knowing potential sources, and creates baseline data to increase awareness about water pollution. We tested water samples from Nablus city using filtration, microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results show that tap water contained MP concentrations and range from 44 to 268 µg/L, while bottled water have concentrations ranging from 27 to 253 µg/L. Also, we found the most common polymers in the samples, like polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The existence of microplastics in both bottled and tap water in Palestine shows a public health and environmental concern. These results show the importance of developing national monitoring programs and considering microplastics in water safety management plans. The results also show that improving water infrastructure, reducing plastic waste, and supporting relevant research are important steps in reduce microplastic pollution, in line with SDG 6. Additional studies may help clarify how microplastic levels vary across different Palestinian cities, seasons, and storage conditions, also how they may affect human health.