Development and Implementation of a Nanoplastic Analysis Method for Drinking Water

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Microplastics have been identified in drinking water systems across Canada and around the world. As a result of the potential health risks associated with the consumption of microscopic plastic particles in treated drinking water, the State of California has begun the process of regulating a definition of "Microplastics in Drinking Water" along with subsequent testing requirements, a process which is anticipated to be followed by Canadian regulators. Unlike previous definitions of microplastics which specified a lower-size threshold of 1 µm, the definition adopted by California requires quantification and characterization of particles as small as 1 nm in three dimensions (i.e. 1000 times smaller than previously considered) by July 1, 2021. Although the incorporation of smaller particles will ensure greater protection of human health, as well as provide a better understanding of plastic contamination and an improved evaluation of process specific plastic removals, no analytical method is currently available to accurately and reproducibly measure nanoplastics in drinking water. The proposed research will build upon that recently completed by the Drinking Water Research Group at the University of Toronto regarding method development for the characterization and quantification of microplastics >1 µm by extending it to examine particles as small as 1 nm. Initially, this work will identify analytical methods which may be most appropriate for characterization and quantification of nanoplastics by conducting a review of existing literature. Following method selection and optimization, sample preparation and analysis will be completed. To ensure that the results are both accurate and reproducible, rigorous quality assurance and quality control procedures (QA/QC) will be implemented to minimize the impacts of background contamination and address any drinking water matrix-specific interference. This research represents an essential step in the protection of Canadian drinking water supplies, by helping to ensure that researchers, drinking water utilities and regulatory authorities have the tools necessary to provide clean, safe drinking water in the future.