nanoFONTAINE
Nanoparticles in Parisian public fountain water: Characterization, spatio-temporal dynamics, and user perceptions
Start: 01/01/2026 - End: 31/12/2027
Campaign and mission, National partnership
Coordinators : Mickael Tharaud, Pierre-André Juven
Host institutions :
IPGP
Partner institutions :
CERMES3, Eau de Paris
Related themes :
Earth System Science
The quality of drinking water is a major public health issue in the context of global climate change. Among emerging contaminants, metallic nanoparticles (mNPs) are raising growing concerns due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential health effects. These particles, which result from the degradation of infrastructure (cast iron pipes, metal fittings) or are present in source waters, can carry toxic elements (Pb, Cu, Zn, As) and cross biological barriers. In Paris, public fountains—approximately 1,200 water points spread across the 20 arrondissements—are an essential infrastructure for access to drinking water, particularly for vulnerable populations and users concerned with reducing their consumption of plastic bottles. However, there is no data on the presence of mNPs in these water points, nor on the spatial and temporal variations related to the four distribution units (UDI) supplying the capital.
The nanoFONTAINE project aims to:
- Characterize the occurrence, composition, and distribution of mNPs (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ti, Ce, etc.) in Parisian public drinking fountains, in connection with the four UDIs.
- Evaluate the spatial and temporal variations of these contaminants over a complete seasonal cycle.
- Analyze the perceptions of public fountain users regarding water quality and the potential presence of emerging contaminants.
Funding
Partner
