Microplastics in Water: A Hidden Challenge for the Environment and Our Health

To address the growing threat of microplastics and protect both human health and the environment, we need to invest in technological innovation, enhance water treatment systems, and shift toward more sustainable consumption habits.

Contaminated Water: A Silent Danger

Microplastics are tiny particles less than 5 millimeters in size that come from the breakdown of plastic materials. They are now widespread in aquatic environments and pose an increasing threat to both human health and biodiversity.
For World Environment Day 2025, the issue of microplastics in drinking water returned to the spotlight. A special edition of the journal Science and Pollution Research published troubling data on micro- and nanoplastic pollution in nine major European rivers.
More than 2,700 water samples were collected, from the source to the mouth of these rivers. The results showed high levels of contamination, with an average of “three microplastic particles per cubic meter of water”. Rivers in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom all showed signs of pollution. It is likely that many of their tributaries are also affected.
This is far below the 40 microplastic particles per cubic meter found in the ten most polluted rivers in the world, including the Ganges, Nile, Indus, Niger, Mekong, Yangtze, Yellow River, Pearl River, and Hai He. Still, the European data is not to be taken lightly. These microplastics often escape detection and can be found almost everywhere.
As reported by Smart Water Magazine on World Environment Day, significant amounts of microplastics were found in drinking water across Europe, both in public water supplies and bottled water.

A Health Risk

Scientific studies have raised concerns about the potential health effects of microplastics, including inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and changes to gut microbiota. An investigation published by Euronews Salute found “worrying levels” of microplastics in analyzed samples, in some cases exceeding what is considered safe.
Ingestion is not the only risk. Microplastics can also be inhaled. A study reported by Il Sole 24 Ore documented damage to the human respiratory system caused by airborne microplastics. These particles can accumulate in the lungs, triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage.

The Source of the Problem: Primary and Secondary Microplastics

Most microplastics are found in water, particularly in marine environments. The microplastics present in oceans fall into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are released directly into the environment in the form of small particles. They are estimated to make up between 15% and 31% of all microplastics in the oceans. The main sources include the washing of synthetic clothing (35%), tire abrasion while driving (28%), and personal care products (2%).

Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, come from the breakdown of larger plastic objects such as bags, bottles, and fishing nets. These account for the majority of microplastics found in the sea, estimated at between 68% and 81%.

A Widening Global Crisis

This is a worldwide issue that affects every region without exception. According to the United Nations Foundation (2023), more than 430 million tons of plastic are produced each year, and two-thirds of it is made up of single-use items. Only 9 percent of global plastic waste is actually recycled. Plastic pollution in the oceans contaminates the food chain and also contributes to the climate crisis, through greenhouse gas emissions generated during production and decomposition.

Water Treatment: A Crucial Barrier

In this context, water treatment plays a key role in reducing the release of plastic particles into rivers and eventually into the oceans. While conventional treatment plants cannot fully filter out microplastics, they are still able to capture larger fragments and suspended solids. This helps prevent further breakdown and spread.

A leading example is the Riachuelo project in Argentina, carried out by Fisia Italimpianti and the Webuild Group. It is one of the largest environmental projects ever undertaken in Latin America. The system treats the polluted waters of the Riachuelo River before they flow into the Río de la Plata. Lot 2, the core of the system, includes a pre-treatment facility that prevents larger plastic fragments from reaching the sea, helping to protect the marine environment.

Conclusion: Everyone Can Make a Difference

Microplastics are a byproduct of a fast-paced, disposable consumption model. Yet solutions do exist. Choosing clothing made from natural fibers, installing microplastic filters in washing machines, reducing single-use plastics, supporting circular economy policies, and investing in increasingly advanced water treatment technologies are all concrete steps we can take.

The threat posed by microplastics is invisible, but its consequences are all too real. Only by acting with awareness and responsibility can we protect the quality of our water — and therefore our lives — for future generations.