Evaluation of Microplastic Contamination in Canadian Drinking Waters

多伦多大学饮用水研究小组进行的研究发现，微塑料在饮用水源和处理过的饮用水中无处不在。然而，人们对微塑料污染的程度及其可处理性知之甚少，这决定了对加拿大各地的水系统进行研究。所要求的自动拉曼光谱仪-共聚焦拉曼显微镜将允许定量和表征小至2微米的颗粒。该仪器将用于评估加拿大各地饮用水源中微塑料的存在和组成。此外，将审查与一系列常规和先进工艺有关的可处理性，这将提供基础信息，极大地协助评价微塑料作为吸附的化学和生物污染物传播载体对健康的潜在影响。

Research conducted by the Drinking Water Research Group at the University of Toronto has observed microplastics to be ubiquitous in drinking water sources and treated drinking water. The extent of microplastic contamination and their treatability is, however, poorly understood, dictating that research be conducted for water systems across Canada. The requested automated Raman Spectrometer - Confocal Raman Microscope will allow for quantification and characterization of particles as small as 2 µm. This instrument will be used to evaluate the presence and composition of microplastics present in sources of drinking water across Canada. In addition, treatability associated with a range of conventional and advanced processes will be examined which will provide foundational information that will greatly assist in the evaluation of potential health impacts of microplastics as vectors of transmission of sorbed chemical and biological contaminants. Microplastics range in size from 1 to 5,000 µm and may comprise a variety of shapes (e.g. fibers, films, fragments, etc.) and polymer types (e.g. PP, PET, PVC, etc.). They have been observed in both drinking water sources (e.g. lakes, rivers) and treated water. The removal of microplastics by conventional and advanced drinking water treatments is poorly understood, and subsequently the potential health impacts associated with consumption have not yet been well examined. Furthermore, microplastics may serve as vectors of chemical and biological contaminants, potentially resulting in sorbed organic compounds that exceed background levels in lakes and rivers. The proposed research will utilize the requested equipment to better understand the extent and occurrence of microplastic contamination in drinking water sources; their removal by conventional and advanced treatment; and ultimately the potential health implications associated with their ingestions via tap water. This instrument will allow for automated sizing and classification of specific polymer types, allowing research and increased productivity. This instrument is required to facilitate research which is vital to help ensure that Canadian drinking water consumers are protected from potential risks associated with microplastic contamination; to give water providers the information they need to improve the removal of microplastics; and to provide regulators with data necessary to implement both monitoring and treatment requirements. Without the requested instrument, the proposed research will be significantly impacted and prevent an increased understanding of microplastics in drinking water from being achieved.