Microplastics Evaluation in Tap Water in Left Side Districts of Mosul City, Iraq

Microplastics (MPs) are considered as recently identified pollutants in the tap water of Mosul city. Limited studies on the quantity and features of microplastics have been reported. Consequently, this study examined the number and characteristics of MPs in tap water from 16 districts in left side of Mosul city, including 8 districts that receive drinking water from the Alaysar aljadid drinking water treatment plant (AJ-DWTP) and 8 districts that receive drinking water from the Alaysar alqadim drinking water treatment plant (AQ-DWTP). Infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (FTIR) and stereo microscopy were used to determine the microplastic abundance, polymer type, and morphology characteristics (colour and shape). The results showed that the abundances of MPs calcualted in tap water in AJ-WDN and AG-WDN were 35 to 70 items/L and 25 to 71 items/L, respectively. The predominant shape of microplastics was fiber and fragment, accounting for 93% of the identified quantities. The most common polymer types were polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (51%) followed by polyamide (PA) (16%). Statistical analysis was conducted on the results using Exel 2019. The microplastic’s risk has been estimated based on the potential risk index of polymers. In both the water distribution networks of AQ and AJ, MPs’ potential risk was significantly similar.