Microplastics are small particles of plastic that end up in our drinking water. They can come from a variety of sources, such as wear and tear on plastic products, washing synthetic clothing, and environmental pollution. We would like to inform you about this, because microplastics can have harmful effects on our health. In this article we will discuss its impact on our health and how boiling water can help reduce microplastics in water.
Microplastics are small plastic particles with a size ranging from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters. The nanoplastics are even smaller, with a size of less than 1 micrometer. The latter group in particular can cause problems when they occur in high concentrations. They can penetrate into the cells of important organs such as the brain, liver and genitals. Fortunately, approximately 90 percent of nanoplastics in the Netherlands are removed by drinking water companies. However, the effects of the remaining 10 percent on our body and to what extent this is harmful requires further research. There are currently fifteen ongoing studies on this subject in the Netherlands alone.
American researchers have determined that there are on average 240.000 plastic particles in a 1-liter water bottle, which is 100 times more than previously thought (1). Using a new laser technique called 'Raman scattering microscopy', the scientists were able to identify nanoparticles – particles smaller than 1 micrometer – in the water.
Previous studies were limited to identifying microplastics, particles between 5 millimeters and 1 micrometer in size. The algorithm was even able to determine which of the 7 common types of plastic, such as PET and polystyrene, a nanoparticle consisted of.
The scientists examined 25 1-liter bottles of water from 3 supermarket house brands in the United States. They found that the bottles contained between 110.000 and 370.000 plastic particles, 90% of which were nanoplastic and the rest microplastic. Strikingly, only about 10% of all nanoparticles in the samples belonged to the 7 identified plastic types; the rest is not yet clear.
If all these unknown particles are also nanoplastics, there could potentially be tens of millions of nanoplastics in a liter of water. This discovery raises concerns, especially because nanoplastics can enter our cells and bloodstream due to their small size. Nanoplastics can even enter the bloodstream of an unborn child via the placenta and break the brain-blood barrier.
Chinese researchers (2) discovered that simply boiling water is the first step to remove microplastoc from water. The researchers collected several samples of tap water. Each sample was boiled for five minutes and then allowed to cool for ten minutes. Boiling hard water rich in minerals – such as calcium or magnesium – creates a chalky residue known as limescale, or calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which can trap the plastics.
This solid, chalky residue then had to be separated and removed from the water with a standard coffee filter or stainless steel filter, which removed microplastics. The team found that the effect was greatest in harder water: for example, in samples containing 300 milligrams of CaCO3, almost 90% of microplastics were removed. In softer water samples with less than 60 mg CaCO3, approximately 25% was removed. Boiling water can be an effective way to avoid microplastics.
In addition to boiling water, there are also other ways to avoid microplastics in our drinking water. One of the alternative solutions is to use filters. There are different types of filters available that can remove microplastics from the water, such as carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters.
Another way to reduce microplastics is by reducing plastic waste. By consciously choosing products with less plastic packaging and by recycling plastic waste correctly, for example by using reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
In addition, we can also participate in initiatives and organizations dedicated to reducing plastic waste and protecting our water resources. By working together and acting consciously, we can have a positive impact on reducing microplastics in our drinking water.
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