Microplastics (MPs) have recently been detected in oceans, seas and freshwater bodies worldwide, yet few studies have revealed the occurrence of MPs in potable water. Although the potential toxicological effects of MPs are still largely unknown, their presence in water intended for human consumption deserves attention. Drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) pose a barrier for MPs to enter drinking water; thus, the fate of MPs at DWTPs is of great interest. This review includes a summary of the available information on MPs in drinking water sources and in potable water, discusses the current knowledge on MP removal by different water treatment processes, and identifies the research needs regarding MP removal by DWTP technologies. A comparison of MPs with other common pollution agents is also provided. We concluded that special attention should be given to small-size MPs (in the range of several micrometres) and that the relationship between MP character and behaviour during distinct treatment processes should be explored.

Institute for Environmental Studies Faculty of Science Charles University Benatska 2 128 01 Prague 2 Czech Republic; Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences Videnska 1083 142 20 Prague 4 Czech Republic

Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Pod Patankou 30 5 166 12 Prague 6 Czech Republic

Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Pod Patankou 30 5 166 12 Prague 6 Czech Republic; Department of Water Technology and Environmental Engineering Faculty of Environmental Technology University of Chemistry and Technology Prague Technicka 5 166 28 Prague 6 Czech Republic

Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Pod Patankou 30 5 166 12 Prague 6 Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies Faculty of Science Charles University Benatska 2 128 01 Prague 2 Czech Republic

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