Bottled Water Contains Thousands Plastic Particles, New Study Claims

Recent studies reveal alarming levels of microscopic plastics, in bottled water, raising significant health concerns.

Researchers employing laser-powered microscopes found between 110,000 to 400,000 plastic particles per liter in popular bottled water brands. This amounts to an average of 240,000 tiny plastic fragments per liter, as reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The Study

A groundbreaking study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the presence of nanoplastics in bottled water. This study utilized innovative microscopy techniques and data-driven algorithms to analyze bottled water brands. The study also found that bottled water might contain up to 100 times more plastic particles than previously estimated.

The study targeted common plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in water bottles, and polyamide in filters. Unidentified nanoparticles were also found, suggesting the prevalence of plastics in bottled water could be even higher.

Researchers believe these plastics originate from the bottles and the filtration systems used by manufacturers. Furthermore, this discovery led some study authors to reduce their bottled water consumption, opting for filtered tap water instead.

The study targeted common plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in water bottles, and polyamide in filters. Unidentified nanoparticles were also found, suggesting the prevalence of plastics in bottled water could be even higher.

What are Nanoplastics and Microplastics ?

Surprisingly, 90% of these particles are nanoplastics, significantly smaller and potentially more harmful than microplastics. However, it is important to state the differences. The distinction lies in their size: microplastics are less than 5 mm in diameter, while nanoplastics range from 1 to 1000 nanometers. To visualize, a nanometer is one ten-millionth of a centimeter.

Nanoplastics, due to their minuscule size, can penetrate human cells and even reach unborn babies through the placenta. They pose a greater threat to human health than microplastics, being capable of entering the bloodstream and impacting organs.

The health impacts of these plastics are concerning yet still under investigation. Currently, studies suggest microplastics can affect various human body systems, causing chemical toxicity. As a result, such toxicity includes the accumulation of environmental toxins like heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The International Bottled Water Association commented on the need for further review of the study’s methodology. In other words, the consequences of these microplastic particles have not been examined enough for definitive conclusions.

Usage of Plastic

Globally, over 450 million tons of plastics are produced yearly, with much ending up in landfills. Plastics do not degrade naturally but break into smaller pieces over time. These tiny bits are also shed from plastic-containing products, including synthetic fabrics.

Bottled water is a particular concern for scientists due to its direct pathway to the human body. Studies show higher microplastic concentrations in bottled water compared to tap water. Even the act of opening a plastic bottle can release microplastics into the water.

The researchers plan to extend their investigation to nanoplastics in tap water and Antarctic snow samples. Their goal is to explore the pervasive issue of nanoplastics further.