Understanding the Impact of Microplastics in Bottled Water
What Are Microplastics and Nanoplastics?
Microplastics are defined as plastic fragments ranging from five millimetres down to one micrometre (micron), with nanoplastics being even smaller.
These particles are a byproduct of our increasing reliance on plastic, which does not break down into benign substances but instead continually divides into smaller particles.
Their small size allows them to infiltrate our environment, including waterways, easily, and eventually our bodies through the food and drinks we consume.
Their small size allows them to infiltrate our environment, including waterways easily, and eventually our bodies through the food and drinks we consume.
The Health Implications
The potential health impacts of these microplastics are a growing concern. Whilst their potential impact on human health remains uncertain and unproven, existing animal and lab studies suggest potential risks such as increased cancer risk and harm to the digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems.
Previous studies have detected plastic particles in human blood, lungs, gut, and reproductive tissues.
Nanoplastics, due to their small size, can penetrate biological systems and carry environmental pollutants, possibly disrupting hormonal and endocrine functions and contributing to conditions like obesity and insulin resistance.
The Unseen Threat in Our Bottled Water
Research from Columbia University has uncovered an alarming concentration of microplastics in bottled water, highlighting growing health and environmental concerns. A groundbreaking study using advanced stimulated Raman scattering microscopy found that a single litre of bottled water contains an average of 240,000 plastic particles—90% of which are nanoplastics.
This figure is far higher than previous estimates, which primarily detected larger microplastics.
The study also identified plastic types such as PET from bottle packaging and polyamide from filtration systems, suggesting multiple sources of contamination.
The Source of These Plastics
These plastics likely enter the water during the manufacturing process or pass through the filters intended to purify the water due to these filters usually having pores that are larger than one micron in size. The fact that only about 10% of the detected nanoparticles were identifiable raises further concerns about the unknown constituents of the water we drink.
Among the frequent findings are; Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is commonly used in water bottles, and polyamide, often found in textiles, the automotive industry, carpets, kitchen utensils and sportswear.
Addressing the Issue
While the health impacts of microplastics are yet to be fully understood, the findings underscore the need for better filtration and purification methods in municipal water treatment.
For those concerned about their exposure, investing in water filtration, such as reverse osmosis (RO) systems, is highly effective. What is reverse osmosis? Read our detailed blog for further info.
In short, RO systems use a multi-stage filtration process, including a semipermeable membrane, to remove contaminants—such as microplastics and sediment—far more effectively than standard filters.
Top Tip: Easily find the right filter by using our ‘Filter by Contaminant’ section at the top of the page to search for filters based on specific contaminants.
These systems provide a safer alternative to bottled water, alongside other options like glass-bottled water.
A Call to Action
As a company specialising in sub-micron water filters, Finerfilters is committed to addressing this issue head-on. Our filters are designed to capture and remove these microplastics, providing a safer and healthier alternative to bottled water.
This revelation about microplastics in bottled water emphasises the importance of using effective filtration systems to ensure the purity and safety of the water we drink.
We offer sub-micron filters, which are filters 0.9 microns or lower in drinking water filters, portable water filters and reverse osmosis will ensure the complete removal of both micro and nano plastics.
In summary, the presence of microplastics in bottled water is a pressing issue, one that requires immediate attention and action.
With advanced filtration technologies, like those offered by our company, we can mitigate these risks and safeguard our health and environment.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse Osmosis systems are the pinnacle of water filtration. Their main component being a 0.0001 micron rated membrane.
These systems will remove over 99.99% of Microplastics and Nanoplastics.
Gravity Water Purifiers
Our Newton Gravity-Powered water filter systems use 0.2 - 0.5 micron-rated ceramic candles.
These systems will remove over 99.99% of Microplastics and even some Nanoplastics.
Under-Sink Filters
We have a range of under-sink water filter systems, from the US-Q2 which uses a 0.01 micron membrane that will remove some nanoplastics to our most popular 3M Kit which comes with a 0.5 micron rated filter ensuring you're protected from 99% of Microplastics.