Maya Ellison
Microplastics are an environmental concern, threatening all living creatures that consume them. They are small plastic particles, generally ranging from 5mm to 1 nanometre in size, and are either manufactured or created when larger pieces of plastic break down. They have been found in tap and bottled water, with bottled water generally containing more microplastics than tap water. Water filters can help reduce the concentration of microplastics in water, with the best filtration system being reverse osmosis with a carbon pre-filter. Other methods include distillation, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, microfiltration, and activated carbon filtration.
Characteristics and Values of Water Filters for Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of water filters | Pitcher filters, faucet filters, countertop filters, reverse osmosis systems, whole home filters, portable filters |
| Filter materials | Glass, stainless steel, plastic, carbon, ceramic, polyamide |
| Filtered contaminants | Microplastics, chlorine, heavy metals, limescale, fluoride, PFAS, VOCs, radioactive particles, arsenic, sediment, rust |
| Brands | Brita, Berkey, LifeStraw, ZeroWater, AquaTru, Biome, Doulton, Aquasana |
| Benefits | Reduce plastic exposure and contamination, improve taste and purity, lower health risks, protect the environment |
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What You'll Learn
Reverse osmosis systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are advanced water filtration systems that use a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants. They are usually installed under the sink and are designed to minimise wastewater, promoting a more sustainable approach to water purification. RO systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including fluoride, PFAS, chlorine, sediment, rust, and microplastics. The reverse osmosis membranes have tiny pores that can effectively eliminate microplastics, resulting in cleaner drinking water.
While RO systems can be more expensive and require more maintenance than other filtration systems, they offer long-term cost savings by reducing reliance on bottled water, which decreases plastic waste. They also lower maintenance costs by protecting appliances such as refrigerators and coffee makers from damage caused by mineral deposits.
The main types of RO systems are whole-house systems and point-of-use (POU) systems. Whole-house systems are less common due to their large storage tank and booster pump requirements. POU systems, on the other hand, are typically installed under the kitchen or bathroom sink and can also be mounted in a cabinet or remotely in the garage or basement.
When choosing an RO system, there are three different cartridge styles to consider: quick-change, drop-in, and standard. Quick-change cartridges are the simplest to maintain but are also the most expensive and least environmentally friendly due to the plastic waste generated from discarded filters. Drop-in and standard cartridges offer lower maintenance costs and are more environmentally friendly, respectively.
Overall, RO systems are a beneficial investment for ensuring consistently high-quality water in your home while also reducing your environmental impact by lowering plastic waste.
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Carbon filters
Carbon block filters, on the other hand, are formed by compressing loose pieces of carbon together. These filters have an extremely large surface area, making them highly absorbent. Carbon block filters are rated according to their micron rating, which depends on the degree of compression of the carbon. The smaller the micron rating, the finer the filtration, but the lower the flow rate.
There are several types of carbon filtration systems available for different applications. Countertop or benchtop filters are larger units that sit on a counter and connect to a faucet, providing on-demand filtration. Whole-house carbon filtration systems, such as the Express Water WH100SC, are installed at the main water supply line to treat all incoming water in a home or business. These systems can deliver a significant volume of filtered water and are designed for durability and easy maintenance.
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Sediment filter cartridges
When installing a sediment filter cartridge, it is important to ensure that it fits perfectly to avoid leaks. Spin-down filters are one of the most effective types of filtration and are usually recommended for water sources with high levels of contaminants. Sediment filter cartridges can remove various impurities from water, including sand, silt, loose scale, clay, or organic material.
There are several options available for purchasing sediment filter cartridges. FilterWay.com offers a range of replacement carbon water filters and cartridges with free shipping in the US. SpringWell Water offers a 10-inch replacement sediment filter with a manufacturer's lifetime warranty against defects on all covered items. Culligan also offers sediment water filters with smart contaminant tracking and custom filters to target specific issues and fulfil the unique needs of your home.
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Faucet attachments
Faucet-mounted water filters offer better performance than water filter pitchers and are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $15 to $80. They do not require any countertop space or professional installation, making them an affordable and convenient option. However, they may not fit all spouts and can slow down the water flow. It is important to note that hot water can damage faucet filters, so you need to be able to bypass the filter when you need hot water.
There are several faucet-mounted water filters available on the market, such as the Pur Plus Faucet Filtration System, which offers a premium, durable stainless steel design. It provides trusted filtration, removing over 70 contaminants, and comes with a two-year warranty. The Pur Basic filter is another option, certified for 71 contaminants, including lead, and lasting for 100 gallons or about three months. The Brita faucet water filter is also a popular choice, with a basic white plastic design that is resistant to corrosion and rusting. It has a 0.58 GPM flow rate and can fill a 32-ounce water bottle in 35 seconds. It is highly effective at removing lead and chlorine and improving water taste, odor, and clarity.
When choosing a faucet-mounted water filter, it is important to consider factors such as filter size, filter-change sensors, and the cost of replacement filter cartridges. Additionally, you should ensure that the filter is compatible with your faucet type and check if it includes adapters.
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Microplastics
The presence of microplastics in drinking water has become an increasingly prevalent issue. Recent studies have detected thousands of tiny pieces of plastic in common single-use water bottles, and 83% of tap water worldwide is estimated to contain microplastics. This is particularly concerning given the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure. Initial research has found microplastics in human lung tissue, blood, and breast milk, and other studies indicate potential impacts on gut health, reproductive health, and cognitive function in mice.
Given these concerns, it is important to consider ways to filter microplastics from drinking water. While it can be challenging to find a completely plastic-free water filter, there are several options available that can effectively reduce microplastics:
- Reverse osmosis filtration systems: These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants, including microplastics. They are highly effective but can be more expensive and require more maintenance.
- Activated carbon filters: Carbon filters can remove contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities. They may not be as effective as reverse osmosis systems in removing microplastics due to their larger pore size.
- Faucet filters: These filters attach directly to your faucet for on-demand filtration. They can be effective in reducing chlorine, lead, and other contaminants, but may not be as effective as reverse osmosis for microplastics removal.
- Pitcher filters: These filters use activated carbon to remove contaminants and are typically affordable and convenient. However, they may not be as effective as reverse osmosis in removing microplastics.
- LifeStraw: LifeStraw products use two types of membrane filtration. The first is a membrane microfilter that blocks particulates larger than 0.2 microns, effectively removing microplastics. The second is an ultrafilter that blocks particles larger than 0.02 microns, targeting nanoplastics.
It is worth noting that combining certain filtration methods, such as using a carbon pre-filter before reverse osmosis, can improve the removal of microplastics. Additionally, transferring filtered water to a non-plastic container can help limit the risk of re-contamination. While these filtration methods can reduce microplastic exposure, it is also important to address the broader issue of plastic pollution and work towards reducing plastic waste and microplastic contamination at the source.
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Frequently asked questions
The best water filters for removing microplastics include reverse osmosis systems, activated carbon filters, and sediment filter cartridges. The best filtration system for removing microplastics is the reverse osmosis filtration system with a carbon pre-filter. The Brita Elite filter is the only water filter pitcher that has been tested to remove microplastics and is officially certified for microplastics reduction. The AquaTru Carafe is another performance-certified filter to eliminate microplastics.
It is hardly impossible to find a 100% plastic-free water filter. However, there are some filters with minimal plastic, such as the pH Replenish Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher, which is made with premium quality curved glass and a stainless steel filter with no plastic. Another option is the British Berkefeld with the Ultra Sterasyl filter, which uses a stainless steel spigot, so water doesn’t come into contact with plastic as it’s dispensed out of the tank.
There are currently no commercial drinking water tests for nanoplastics. However, an in-depth study by the State University of New York at Fredonia found that 83% of tap water worldwide contains microplastics. Another study found that bottled water contains twice as many microplastic particles as tap water.
