Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that has gained significant public awareness in recent years. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, have been found in various environmental niches, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in the air we breathe. The ubiquitous nature of microplastics has raised concerns about their presence in our drinking water, specifically, whether they contaminate our tap water. Studies have confirmed the presence of microplastics in tap water, with 95% of U.S. tap water containing these minuscule plastic fragments. This poses a potential threat to public health, as microplastics can attract heavy metals and organic pollutants, leading to unknown consequences for human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics in tap water | Microplastics have been found in 95% of US tap water |
| Microplastics in bottled water | Bottled water contains more microplastics than tap water |
| Health effects of microplastics | The health effects of microplastics on humans are uncertain |
| Ways to reduce microplastic ingestion | Use a carbon block filter with a rated pore size, minimise use of single-use plastics, use microplastic catch bags when washing synthetic fabrics |
| Microplastic pollution sources | Textile microfibers, tire dust, plastic waste in oceans, rivers, and lakes, plastic packaging, plastic bottles, food wrappers, plastic bags |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics are found in tap water
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size and often cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are formed when larger pieces of plastic break down into smaller pieces over time. These particles have been detected in oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in tap water. According to Sherri Mason, a researcher at Penn State University, an average of 325 plastic particles was found in a liter of bottled water, compared to 5.5 plastic particles per liter of tap water. While tap water has lower levels of microplastics than bottled water, the presence of these particles in drinking water is still a concern for public health.
The high levels of microplastics in bottled water can be attributed to leaching from plastic packing, while the lower levels in tap water may be due to the removal of MPs in drinking water treatment plants. However, treatment plants are not 100% effective at removing microplastics, and they can still end up in natural ecosystems and our tap water. The microplastics in tap water may come from sources such as clothing fibers, as well as runoff and other forms of pollution.
The health effects of microplastics on humans are still being studied, and there is much that is unknown. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the concentration of plastic currently found in tap water is harmless to humans, they also advocate for more research into the potential long-term effects. Microplastics have been found to attract and concentrate heavy metals and organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which could pose a risk to human health. Additionally, not all the microplastic ingested leaves the body, with about 10% remaining in the human body. As humans are at the top of the food chain and plastic is not biodegradable, microplastic particles can accumulate in our bodies over time.
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Tap water has lower plastic levels than bottled water
Plastic pollution is a serious issue, with plastic waste entering water sources through littering, poor waste management, stormwater runoff, and other means. This has led to the presence of microplastics in drinking water, including tap and bottled water. While microplastics are present in both types of water, studies have shown that bottled water tends to have higher levels of plastic contamination than tap water.
The lower levels of plastic in tap water can be attributed to the treatment processes employed by water treatment plants. These plants are effective in removing dissolved substances and reducing the concentration of microplastics in drinking water. On the other hand, bottled water, especially in reusable PET and glass bottles, has been found to have higher MP contamination. This is likely due to the leaching of plastic packing or exposure to external forces like UV radiation and temperature changes.
While tap water has lower plastic levels, it is important to recognize that microplastics are still present. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the current concentration of plastic in tap water is harmless to humans. However, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with the presence of additives, toxins, and other compounds in microplastics. Additionally, microplastics can act as a vehicle for other toxic substances or microorganisms, which may have adverse effects on human health.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, individuals can take several measures. Using a carbon block filter with a rated pore size can effectively remove microparticles from tap water. Additionally, reducing the use of single-use plastics and choosing more sustainable materials can help minimize plastic pollution. Refusing plastic straws, lids, and bags, as well as using reusable water bottles and containers, are also recommended practices to lower plastic consumption.
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Plastic contamination in tap water comes from clothing fibres
Plastic contamination in the form of microplastics has been detected in tap water worldwide. Studies have revealed that 83% of tap water samples from over a dozen countries were contaminated with plastic fibres. The United States had the highest contamination rate, with 94% of samples, including tap water from notable locations such as Trump Tower and the Environmental Protection Agency's headquarters, found to contain plastic.
The primary sources of microplastics in drinking water are not yet fully understood, but the atmosphere is believed to play a significant role. Clothing fibres shed through everyday wear and tear, as well as from tumble dryers and washing machines, contribute to the presence of plastic fibres in the air and, consequently, in water bodies. A study found that a single cycle of a washing machine could release up to 700,000 fibres into the environment. Additionally, rainwater can sweep up microplastic pollution, leading to the contamination of water sources.
Textiles, particularly synthetic fabrics like fleece, polyester, and nylon, are the largest source of microplastic pollution. When washed repeatedly, these fabrics shed microfibers that can enter water systems and ultimately end up in drinking water. A fleece jacket, for example, can release up to 250,000 fibres per wash. These microfibers can also be ingested by marine animals, impacting over 1,200 animal species.
The presence of microplastics in tap water has raised concerns about potential health risks. While the specific health effects on humans are still being studied, microplastics are known to contain and absorb toxic chemicals, which can be released in the body. Research on wild animals has demonstrated the rapid release of these chemicals, and microplastics have been detected in a third of fish caught in the UK.
To mitigate the ingestion of microplastics, individuals can use effective water filters, such as carbon block filters with a rated pore size, to exclude microparticles from their drinking water. Additionally, reducing the use of single-use plastics and choosing sustainable materials, including natural fibres for clothing, can help decrease the overall presence of microplastics in the environment and, by extension, in tap water.
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Microplastics are harmful to human health
Microplastics are found in the air, drinking water, food, and consumer products. Humans are exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact. The average human ingests 5 grams of microplastic each week. While the human health effects of microplastics are still being studied, there is growing concern about their potential harm.
Microplastics have been detected throughout the human body, including in the blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, and placenta. Researchers are particularly concerned about microplastics smaller than 1 micrometer, known as nanoplastics, as they can infiltrate cells and even enter cell nuclei. Studies in cell cultures, marine wildlife, and animal models indicate that microplastics can cause oxidative damage, DNA damage, and changes in gene activity, which are known risk factors for cancer development.
In addition to their direct effects on cells, microplastics can also act as a vehicle for other toxic substances or microorganisms, which may adhere to their surface and be conveyed into the human body. For example, endocrine disruptors, which are hormonally active agents, can be absorbed by microplastics and cause various cancers and reproductive system disorders. The combined toxicity of microplastics and other pollutants requires further investigation to understand any potential synergistic effects.
There is also evidence that microplastics may be associated with the formation of chronic diseases. For instance, studies have found higher concentrations of microplastics in liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis and in fecal samples of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to healthy individuals. The concentration of microplastics was positively correlated with the degree of IBD. While the exact mechanisms are still unclear, the presence of microplastics in human blood and their association with chronic diseases highlight the need for further research and regulation to protect human health.
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Water treatment plants cannot remove microplastics
Microplastics are everywhere, including the air, drinking water, food, and consumer products. According to a study, the average human consumes the equivalent of 5 grams of plastic every week, which is approximately the weight of a credit card.
Water treatment plants aim to remove microplastics from drinking water, but their effectiveness varies. While some studies claim that water treatment plants can remove up to 99.9% of nanoplastics, the specific processes and technologies employed play a significant role in the removal rate. For instance, the initial coagulation and sedimentation stages of drinking water treatment can typically eliminate 1.8% to 54.5% of microplastics, while advanced treatment methods can increase this removal rate to 88.6%.
However, it is important to recognize that microplastics come in a wide range of sizes and chemical compositions, making it challenging to remove them entirely. Conventional water filtration systems often have pore sizes that allow the smallest microplastic particles to pass through. Even with advanced filtration systems that can filter down to 500 nanometers, some microplastics are still small enough to evade capture.
The high diversity of microplastics and the presence of other contaminants compete for limited treatment resources, making it technically challenging and costly to remove all microplastics from drinking water. As a result, it is currently difficult for water treatment plants to entirely eliminate microplastics from tap water.
To address this issue, further research and innovation are necessary to develop more effective and affordable solutions for removing microplastics from water.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, tap water contains plastic. Microplastics are present in tap water all over the world.
Microplastics enter tap water through the sewer system. They are rinsed away from our homes through our shower drains, kitchen sinks, and washing machines and end up in wastewater treatment plants. These treatment plants are unable to remove microplastics from the water, and the tiny plastic particles are released into natural ecosystems, which are then used as sources for tap water.
According to the WHO, the concentration of plastic currently found in tap water is harmless to humans. However, the organization has called for more targeted research into the effects of plastic on human health. It is important to note that tap water may contain other harmful substances such as lead, bacteria, and hormones.
Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to microplastics:
- Use a carbon block filter with a rated pore size to filter your drinking water.
- Clean seafood thoroughly before cooking and consider reducing your consumption of scallops, oysters, and mussels, which have been found to contain high levels of microplastics.
- Avoid beauty and consumer products that use microbeads.
- Minimize your use of single-use plastics and plastic packaging.
- Use microplastic catch bags when washing fleece and other synthetic fabrics.
