Analysing microplastics in drinking water : practical considerations

The recast Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 empowers the European Commission (EC) to adopt a methodology to measure microplastics in water intended for human consumption. When the directive entered into force in January 2021, no suitable standardised or harmonised methodologies were available. The Joint Research Centre (JRC), on request of Directorate General Environment (DG ENV), undertook a technical study to develop and test an appropriate analytical methodology. Through a comprehensive review of scientific literature, discussions with DG ENV, and consultations with experts from Member States and stakeholders, it was determined that InfraRed or Raman optical micro-spectroscopy techniques would be most effective approach for detecting microplastic at levels typical of real-world drinking water in the EU. This methodology was subsequently developed and tested by the JRC before being formally adopted by the European Commission through the Delegated Decision (EU) 2024/1441 of 11 March 2024 supplementing Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The present report provides a summary of the published methodology with additional insights into some critical elements and limitations and - in Annexes - includes also experimental examples used at the Joint Research Centre's Nanobiotechnology Laboratory during the feasibility studies. Finally, consideration has been given to the applicability and adaptability of the methodology for other applications where legislation will require the detection or monitoring of microplastics.