ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL PRESENCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN RIVER AND POTABLE WATERS IN ITUMBIARA, GOIÁS AND IMPACT ON WATER SECURITY

Abstract

The use of plastic materials is widespread worldwide. However, due to their low biodegradability, these materials have become a significant source of environmental pollution. The large-scale production of plastics, which began in the twentieth century, has not been accompanied by effective disposal practices, aggravating the problem in a scenario of accelerated population growth - from 1 billion to more than 8 billion people between 1900 and 2022 - and increased life expectancy. This growing consumption, combined with the persistence of plastics in the environment, has intensified human exposure to microplastics (PMs) and nanoplastics (NPs). PMs and NPs are mainly generated by the degradation of larger plastics, such as bags, bottles, and fishing nets; in addition to the wear and tear of everyday products, such as packaging, furniture, toys, synthetic clothing and personal hygiene items. These fragments pose risks to human and environmental health, either by accidental ingestion by animals - with accumulation along the food chain - or by direct exposure, such as in contact with synthetic materials, cosmetics or by ingestion of contaminated water. PMs/NPs have already been identified in human blood, lungs, and feces, associated with changes in the microbiota, inflammatory processes, and the release of chemical substances with endocrine disruptor potential, related to the emergence of metabolic, neurodegenerative, and cancer diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential presence of PMs in the water of Itumbiara (GO). Samples of drinking water and the Paranaíba River were collected in areas close to the urban perimeter, analyzed by optical microscopy and recorded by means of photographs. No PMs were identified in the filtered water or tap samples. However, fragments of PMs were detected in effluent water samples and in the drinking fountain of an institution. In the effluent samples, bacteria adhered to the PMs were also observed. The results indicate the presence of PMs in the untreated water of the municipality, which represents a potential risk to human health, especially when this water is used for plant irrigation and animal consumption.