Polyethylene (PE)
Cities measured
87
Detected in
87 / 87
Elevated / alert
4
Highest
6.2 particles/L — Jakarta
Overview
Polyethylene is the world's most produced plastic (~100 million tonnes/year). PE microplastics in water originate from plastic packaging degradation, pipe interior erosion, and laundry. PE pipes are widely used in European water distribution networks installed from the 1980s onward.
Health Relevance
Polyethylene itself is relatively chemically inert. However, PE particles adsorb hydrophobic pollutants (PCBs, PAHs, DDT) and plastic additives that may desorb after ingestion — the 'Trojan horse' effect for co-contaminant delivery.
Regulatory Limits
Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184
No regulatory limit.
Controversy & Contested Science
A 2021 Norwegian study found PE pipe microplastic shedding rates of 2–75 particles/L from distribution mains under simulated conditions. This creates an irony: PE pipes installed to replace lead and corroded iron pipes — improving metal water quality — may introduce microplastic contamination. The plastics industry disputes the significance, arguing environmental sources dominate. Independent researchers counter that pipe shedding creates a systematic background contamination that should be characterised and regulated.