Chloe Zhang
Water is essential for life, but is the water we drink free of contaminants? Recent studies have found that bottled water contains plastic particles, known as microplastics. These tiny plastic pieces, some thinner than a human hair, have been detected in popular bottled water brands worldwide, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment. While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being researched, the presence of these contaminants in our water supply is a pressing issue that demands further investigation and action to ensure the safety and purity of our drinking water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic contamination in bottled water | 93% of bottled water samples from 11 brands contained plastic |
| Average plastic particles per liter of bottled water | 325 |
| Brand with the highest plastic particle concentration | Nestle Pure Life |
| Plastic particles in tap water | Present, but at lower concentrations than bottled water |
| Health effects of ingesting microplastics | Limited evidence, but likely low risk |
| Plastic type in bottled water | Polypropylene, the same type used in bottle caps |
| Toxic chemicals in plastic bottles | Phthalates, which can seep into water |
| Plastic pollution reduction | Forgo bottled water and single-use plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Bottled water contains plastic
Plastic pollution is a growing concern, with plastics breaking down into smaller particles known as microplastics and nanoplastics that are finding their way into our food and water. A recent study has found that bottled water can contain 10 to 100 times more plastic particles than previously estimated, with an average of 240,000 plastic particles per litre. These particles are so small that they cannot be seen under a microscope, and they are able to invade the body's cells and tissues, with unknown potential health effects.
The study, which used stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, analysed three popular brands of bottled water and detected both microplastics and nanoplastics. Microplastics are defined as fragments ranging from 5 millimetres down to 1 micrometer in size, while nanoplastics are particles smaller than 1 micrometer. The researchers identified seven types of plastics in the water and determined their shapes, which could be valuable information for biomedical research.
The presence of plastic particles in bottled water is not a new issue. A 2018 study detected microplastics and nanoplastics in 93% of samples of bottled water sold by 11 different brands in nine countries. However, the recent study's findings of a substantially higher amount of nanoplastics have raised concerns. Nanoplastics are so small that they can migrate through the tissues of the digestive tract or lungs into the bloodstream, distributing potentially harmful synthetic chemicals throughout the body.
While the health effects of ingesting these plastic particles are still unknown, experts recommend avoiding plastic as much as possible to minimise exposure. Alternatives to plastic bottles, such as glass, aluminum, or stainless steel, are suggested. Reusable water bottles made of metal or glass are also recommended, with regular washing to avoid bacterial growth. Filtration can also help remove some plastic particles, but not all filters are effective against microplastics and nanoplastics. Charcoal filters can remove some contaminants, while reverse osmosis filters are more expensive but may be able to remove plastic-like contaminants.
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Tap water contains plastic
Plastic contamination is a pressing issue, and it is no surprise that it has made its way into our water systems. Tap water is no exception, with research finding plastic particles in tap water supplies. In fact, it is suggested that microplastic exposure is unavoidable, with plastic particles present in the air, water, and soil.
One study, led by Sherri Mason, a professor of chemistry, found plastic particles in tap water samples. This was part of a larger investigation into bottled water, where 259 bottles from 11 brands across nine countries were examined. The study found that 93% of the bottled water samples contained microplastics, with an average of 325 plastic particles per litre of water. Interestingly, the same study found that tap water had about half the amount of plastic particles compared to bottled water.
Another study, conducted by Orb Media, found that bottled water contained roughly twice as many plastic particles as tap water. This study analysed bottled water from major brands and found an average of 10 plastic particles per litre, with some bottles containing thousands of particles.
While the health risks of consuming microplastics are still being investigated, with limited evidence currently available, it is clear that plastic contamination in tap water is a concern. Tap water suppliers are required to undergo testing and disclose their water sources, which can provide some reassurance to consumers. However, the presence of plastic particles in tap water highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and the need for collective action to reduce plastic waste.
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Health risks of drinking plastic
Plastic contamination is prevalent in bottled water. A study published in Frontiers in Chemistry analysed samples from 259 bottled waters sold in several countries and found that 93% of them contained microplastic synthetic polymer particles. The study also found that the average across brands was 325 microplastic particles per litre of bottled water.
While there is limited evidence on the health risks of drinking plastic, there are some concerns about the potential impact on the human body. Here are some of the possible health risks associated with drinking plastic:
- Endocrine Disruption: Research has shown that polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the type of plastic commonly used in bottled water, may act as an endocrine disruptor. This means it can interfere with the body's natural hormones, potentially leading to health issues such as altered brain development, fertility problems, and other chronic conditions.
- Toxic Chemical Exposure: Bottled water may contain toxic chemicals from plastic packaging, such as BPA and phthalates, which can seep into the water, especially when exposed to high temperatures or stored for extended periods. BPA exposure has been linked to fertility issues, altered brain development, cancer, and heart complications.
- Bacterial Contamination: Leaving plastic water bottles in warm environments, such as in a car, can promote the growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast. This can occur within a few hours, and the potential for contamination increases with higher temperatures.
- Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of plastic water bottles contribute to environmental pollution, which can indirectly affect human health. Reducing plastic pollution can help improve overall health and well-being.
While the immediate health risks of consuming microplastics may be low, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. To minimise potential health risks, experts recommend using reusable water bottles made from materials other than plastic, such as stainless steel or glass. Additionally, improving access to safe and clean municipal water can help reduce the reliance on bottled water and its associated health and environmental concerns.
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Plastic pollution in the environment
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with discarded plastic waste harming ecosystems and threatening human health worldwide. It is a significant driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, affecting all land, freshwater, and marine environments. Plastic pollution is particularly visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inadequate or non-existent. Even in developed countries, the challenge of properly collecting and managing discarded plastics persists, especially in regions with low recycling rates.
The sources of plastic pollution are predominantly land-based, stemming from urban and stormwater runoff, littering, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction, and agriculture. In the marine environment, pollution arises primarily from land runoff, paint shed from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and other sources. Plastic waste enters oceans from coastal nations, with an estimated eight million tons of plastic waste escaping into the oceans annually. This plastic waste is transported by major rivers, acting as conveyor belts that pick up more trash as they flow downstream. Once caught in ocean currents, marine plastic pollution can spread globally, impacting even remote locations like Henderson Island, an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group between Chile and Hawaii.
The overwhelming rise in the production of disposable plastic products has exacerbated the plastic pollution crisis. Single-use plastics account for a significant proportion of the plastic produced each year, with items like plastic bags, bottles, caps, straws, and food wrappers having short lifespans but enduring in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. Plastic pollution is persistent and slow to decompose, fragmenting into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which have been detected in every ecosystem on the planet, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs.
Microplastics, ranging in size from five millimeters to one nanometer, and nanoplastics, smaller than one micrometer, pose a threat to marine life and potentially human health. More than 1,500 species in marine and terrestrial environments are known to ingest plastics, and microplastics have been found in human blood, placentas, and stool samples. While the health risks of microplastics to humans are still being studied, the presence of carcinogenic chemicals in plastic products and their potential endocrine-disrupting effects on humans and wildlife are concerning.
Addressing the plastic pollution crisis requires collective action on a global scale. Efforts to reduce plastic production, phase out harmful subsidies, and eliminate problematic products and chemicals are essential. Additionally, transitioning from a single-use "throwaway" culture to one that embraces reusables can significantly reduce plastic pollution and its detrimental impacts on the environment and human health.
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Testing for plastic in water
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, between one micron (1 μm) and five millimeters (5 mm) in diameter. Nanoplastics are plastic particles that have degraded to less than 1 μm. These plastic particles can enter water systems through various ways, including plastic breaking down directly in the environment, overflow from sewers, particles from the air, and liquid waste from factories and heavy industry.
Currently, there are no at-home tests available that can identify the presence of microplastics in a water sample. The only way to know if microplastics are in your drinking water is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. Testing for microplastics involves collecting a water sample from your faucet and sending it out for analysis.
There are several types of microplastic analysis techniques used by laboratories. Some of the main methods for detecting and quantifying microplastic concentrations in water are:
- FTIR Spectroscopy: This technique can determine the number of microplastic particles by plastic type and size range.
- Py-GC/MS: This method can quantify the concentrations of specific types of microplastics in milligrams per liter (mg/l).
- Raman Spectroscopy: This technique involves the use of monochromatic (laser) light as it interacts with a sample. It can identify the specific type or types of plastic in the sample by breaking down microplastics by size category and polymer type.
It is important to note that the field of microplastic analysis is still evolving, and there may be variations in testing methodologies and laboratory protocols. Additionally, the regulatory environment around microplastic testing is also rapidly changing, with efforts to curb the release of unintentionally formed microplastics into the environment.
While there may not be an at-home test for microplastics in water currently available, there are household drinking water treatment technologies that can remove microplastics, such as reverse osmosis, micro-ultra- and nanofiltration, and certified activated carbon filters.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, studies have found that water contains plastic. Plastic contamination is rampant in bottled water, with 93% of 259 bottled waters sampled from 11 different global brands containing microplastics. Popular brands such as Aquafina, Nestle, and Dasani have been found to contain tiny plastic particles, with an average of 10 plastic particles per litre.
The health risks of consuming water with plastic are not yet fully understood. While some experts suggest that larger plastic particles are unlikely to be absorbed by the body and will be excreted, others argue that there is a need for more research. Phthalates in plastic bottles can seep into water, especially when exposed to high temperatures or stored for an extended period. BPA, a toxic chemical found in some plastic bottles, has been linked to fertility issues, altered brain development, cancer, and heart complications.
To reduce your exposure to plastic in water, avoid drinking bottled water and opt for tap water instead. Tap water suppliers are required to undergo testing and meet certain standards, whereas bottled water corporations are not mandated to conduct lab tests. Additionally, single-use plastic bottles contribute significantly to the world's plastic pollution problem. By using a reusable water bottle and drinking tap water, you can reduce your exposure to plastic and help protect the environment.
