AQUApLASt project, first data about Catania citizens’ MPs risk exposure through drinking waters

Abstract Background Tap water is an essential public health tool. Currently, there is a limited number of studies about microplastics (MPs, 1µm < tiny fragments of plastic wastes <5mm) in tap water. MPs and nano- (<1µm) have sizes able to be adsorbed by tissues or cells. AQUApLASt (PRIN-PNRR-P2022XE857) project (2024-2025) is the first study that analyze the presence of MPs<10µm in Sardinian and Sicilian (Italy) tap water to perform the risk assessment for consumers. Methods Six months of raw and tap water (n.36) sampling in 6 stations of Catania (Sicily) municipal network were carried out. Application of EPO Patent n. 3788344 (no sample filtration) coupled with detection in Zeiss SEM-EDX allowed MPs <10µm concentration determination. Estimated Daily Intakes (EDIs) for adult (2 L,70 Kg), pregnant (3 L, 70Kg) and children (2 L, 16 kg) were assessed, respectively. Preliminary results Catania raw water showed a MPs <10 µm mean concentration of 1,103 p/ml (CI 95%, 0 - 2938), with a mean diameter of 2.3 µm (CI 95%, 1.9 - 3.5), and 798 p/ml as median. Catania tap water showed a MPs mean concentration of 242 p/ml (CI 95%, 0 - 2938), with a mean diameter of 2.5 µm (CI 95%, 1.3 - 3.8) respectively, and a median of 0.0 p/ml. EDIs for tap water consumption were 6,885; 10,731 and 15,125 p/Kg/body-weight/day for adult, pregnant and children, respectively. Conclusions Given that there is strong evidence of the impacts of MPs in animal models, we hypothesize that this could represent a risk also for humans. AQUApLASt project showed the efficacy of potabilization treatments to delete MPs by raw waters intended for tap waters. The EDI assessment thereby permits the identification and efficient management of MPs risk, giving to both all public health workers and policy makers indications for prevention. Key messages • AQUApLASt project showed efficacy of potabilization treatments to delete MPs by raw waters intended for tap waters. • Children are the most exposed due to the highest EDI.