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Plastic Particle Migration in Bottled Water: Emerging Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Storage
1  Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Suceava, 7210229, Romania
Academic Editor: Mingce Long

Abstract:

The widespread reliance on bottled water has prompted increasing scrutiny regarding its chemical and particulate content, particularly under prolonged storage and variable environmental conditions. Recent investigations reveal that bottled water may contain hundreds of thousands of plastic particles per liter, predominantly in the nanometric range. These particles, often invisible to the naked eye, originate primarily from the degradation of common packaging materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate. Their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio make them difficult to detect, filter, and neutralize, posing a growing challenge to both scientific monitoring and public health protection. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures—such as those encountered during transport or storage—can accelerate the leaching process, increasing the release of micro- and nanoplastics, along with hazardous chemical additives like bisphenol A (BPA), antimony, and phthalates. These substances are known endocrine disruptors with the potential to interfere with hormonal regulation, immune function, and developmental processes. An expanding body of toxicological evidence associates chronic exposure to these contaminants with a range of health problems, including hormonal imbalances, neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic disturbances, and increased cancer risk. Alarming recent findings report the presence of nanoplastics in human blood, placenta, and other biological tissues, raising urgent concerns about their bioaccumulation and long-term systemic effects. In response, emerging regulatory frameworks—such as new European Union directives and WHO guidelines—aim to limit exposure and enhance transparency. This abstract advocates for a comprehensive approach involving safer packaging alternatives, advancement in detection and filtration technologies, and heightened consumer education as pillars of an effective public health strategy to reduce the potential risks associated with bottled water consumption.

Keywords: bottled water, nanoplastics, public health
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