Unraveling the Health Risks of Microplastics in School Children Water Bottles: A Systematic Review

Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Year 2025 | Subscription
International Journal of Environmental Chemistry
Received Date: 07/11/2025
Acceptance Date: 09/20/2025
Published On: 2025-09-30
First Page: 20
Last Page: 35

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By: Verla Evelyn Ngozi, Njoku Thony R.F, Martin C. Ekeh, Verla Andrew Wirnkor, Uche Cosmas Chinedu, Morah Arthur C., Uyo Chijioke Ndukwe, Ugwulor Louis Ukachukwu, Anyanwu Jonathan, and Njoku-Obi Treasure Njideka

1 Senior Lecturer/ Pincipal Investigator & Professor, Co-Researcher, Researcher, Trainee Department of Environmental Management, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
2Researcher Department of Education Alvan Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
3Researcher Department of Chemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
4Co-Researcher Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
5Researcher Department of Public, Health, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
6Trainee Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Nigeria.

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), pervasive environmental pollutants, pose escalating threats to human health, with children emerging as a critically vulnerable population. This systematic review, guided by PRISMA protocols, synthesizes evidence from 2015–2025 on MPs exposure risks from reusable plastic water bottles among school-aged children (4–15 years). Findings reveal significant MPs leaching into drinking water, influenced by bottle material such as PET and PP, usage duration, and cleaning practices. Children ingest an estimated 553 MPs daily, with infants exposed to up to 1.6 million particles via formula, underscoring acute vulnerability. MPs release harmful additives, including endocrine disruptors like phthalates and bisphenol A, linked to developmental, respiratory, and neurotoxic risks. Alarmingly, synergistic interactions between MPs and heavy metals such as, Pb, Cd, As are common plastic additives that amplify toxicity, potentially disrupting hormonal, immune, and cognitive functions. Despite evidence of harm, regulatory gaps persist, with no enforceable standards for MPs in drinking water. Urgent mitigation strategies include transitioning to glass/stainless steel containers, improving water filtration, and prioritizing public education. This review highlights the imperative for proactive policies, rigorous safety assessments, and interdisciplinary research to safeguard child health. By bridging evidence-to-action gaps, we advocate for holistic interventions—material innovation, enhanced regulations, and global awareness—to curb MPs pollution and protect future generations from this invisible yet insidious threat.

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How to cite this article: Verla Evelyn Ngozi, Njoku Thony R.F, Martin C. Ekeh, Verla Andrew Wirnkor, Uche Cosmas Chinedu, Morah Arthur C., Uyo Chijioke Ndukwe, Ugwulor Louis Ukachukwu, Anyanwu Jonathan, and Njoku-Obi Treasure Njideka, Unraveling the Health Risks of Microplastics in School Children Water Bottles: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Chemistry. 2025; 11(2): 20-35p.

How to cite this URL: Verla Evelyn Ngozi, Njoku Thony R.F, Martin C. Ekeh, Verla Andrew Wirnkor, Uche Cosmas Chinedu, Morah Arthur C., Uyo Chijioke Ndukwe, Ugwulor Louis Ukachukwu, Anyanwu Jonathan, and Njoku-Obi Treasure Njideka, Unraveling the Health Risks of Microplastics in School Children Water Bottles: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Chemistry. 2025; 11(2): 20-35p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijem/article=23157

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