Plastic Pipes Conference Association # 2023 Lake Buena Vista
Peter Sejersen, Ludo Debever
Microplastics in drinking water and in food in general has been a topic with ever increasing interest since a publication of a study in the British newspaper The Guardian. The microplastics topic has also high focus on governmental level, e.g. in Germany where a report of Fraunhofer Umsicht /1/ estimates the amount of microplastics coming from plastic pipe systems to be 12 grams per year per capita. Since then, we have seen several attacks from producers of piping systems made of traditional materials: Copper, concrete and ductile iron.
Measuring microplastics is considered as being difficult. Although it is challenging, it is important for the plastic pipe industry to understand and follow the development of technologies. TEPPFA has therefor initiated several studies to investigate if plastic pipes are a source for microplastics and to quantify if possible. Two studies have been performed on pipes for drinking water and one study for storm water pipes.
In the first drinking water study the Raman method was used and in the second the particles were analyzed using laser direct infrared imaging with a particle identification by help of a software.
The studies on drinking water pipes have been done in a test rig where a normal pattern for drinking water supply in buildings are simulated: A pressure of 4 bars, a water flow of 1,2m/s and a start/stop schedule.
In the first study PE80, PE100, PErt and PVC-U were investigated. In the second study more polymers were added and also PB, PVC-C, PP-rct and PPr were tested. Furthermore, the second study also included test at 60 degree Celsius.
Results of the studies were very encouraging although it also was evident how complicated it is to measure microplastics in an environment where you constantly have fibers and particles in the air in the laboratories.
The third study was concentrating on storm water gravity pipes. When comparing to sewer pipes, it must be expected that abrasion and wear inside the pipes are more likely to happen in pipes transporting surface water. A PVC and a PP storm water pipe, that has been in use in around 30 years in Denmark were dug up and inspected by an accredited institute. After inspection it could be concluded that no wear was found, and therefore storm water pipes cannot be a significant source of microplastics in the aquatic environment.
The paper will explain the test-set-up, the methods used and the results of both the study on drinking water and the study on storm water pipes.
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