Regulating Threshold Microplastics Concentrations (TMC) in Global Drinking Water Standards

Authors

  • Sahil Shrestha Environmental Engineering Program, Department of Civil Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University (ROR: https://ror.org/02rg1r889), Lalitpur 44700, Nepal
  • Shukra Raj Paudel Environmental Engineering Program, Department of Civil Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University (ROR: https://ror.org/02rg1r889), Lalitpur 44700, Nepal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.25.720304

Keywords:

Microplastics, Contaminants, Drinking Water, Health Risks

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a critical global concern, with MPs frequently detected in drinking water and posing potential health risks through ingestion. Despite growing evidence of their presence across human bodily systems, current drinking water regulations lack specific MP limits. This viewpoint advocates preventive MP management by incorporating Threshold Microplastics Concentration (TMC) into different drinking water guidelines, linking their contaminant-carrying potential. Integrating TMCs into water policies can bridge scientific understanding, technological interventions, and regulatory oversight, fostering a proactive approach to safeguard human health against the growing, yet unseen, threat of MPs in drinking water.

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References

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The Threshold Microplastics Concentration (TMC) can minimize microplastic (MP) concentrations, which can carry harmful contaminants to levels of health concern. This article underscores the significance of TMC in global drinking water guidelines as a preventive, science-based tool for regulating MP exposure through ingestion. By linking MP abundance with their contaminant-transport potential, TMC enables rigorous risk evaluation, supports the development of advanced MP removal technologies, and, if united with decision-making by public authorities, strengthens water safety frameworks, safeguarding public health from emerging MP-related risks.

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Published

2025-11-23

How to Cite

Shrestha, S., & Paudel, S. R. (2025). Regulating Threshold Microplastics Concentrations (TMC) in Global Drinking Water Standards. Natural Built Social Environment Health, 1(6), 43–52. https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.25.720304

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