The Water Bottle Plastic Problem: How Much Is Too Much?

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, and recent studies have found that it is pervasive in our food and water systems. Bottled water, in particular, has been found to contain tens of thousands of plastic particles, with a recent study finding an average of 240,000 plastic pieces in a liter of bottled water. This is concerning as the health effects of consuming such particles are not yet fully understood, and plastic is known to contain hazardous chemicals. With plastic bottles being a common source of drinking water, understanding the extent and impact of plastic contamination in bottled water is crucial for public health.

Bottled water contains tens of thousands of plastic particles

Plastic is everywhere, and it's no surprise that it's in our water too. A recent study found that a litre of bottled water contains, on average, nearly a quarter of a million pieces of plastic, specifically nanoplastics. That's 10 to 100 times more than previously estimated, and it's causing concern among researchers.

Nanoplastics are tiny, microscopic particles that are invisible to the naked eye. They can be introduced into our water through the manufacturing process or the plastic bottles themselves. These bottles degrade and flake off into the water, contaminating it with microplastics and nanoplastics. While the health effects of ingesting these particles are still being studied, there is already evidence of negative impacts. For example, studies on animals and cells in labs suggest that nanoplastics can affect various organs and systems in the body, impacting cell immune function and causing inflammation.

The plastic particles in bottled water are not just coming from the bottle itself but also from the manufacturing process. Microscopic particles from the plastics used in manufacturing can end up in the water. These particles might be introduced through plastic tubing or leach in from the plastic bottles. The water we drink from plastic bottles could contain any of the 16,000 additive chemicals found in plastics, 25% of which are officially classified as hazardous. These chemicals include hormone-disrupting and cancer-causing substances like phthalates, PFAS, and bisphenols, as well as toxic heavy metals like lead and arsenic.

To reduce our exposure to these plastic particles, we can switch to reusable alternatives, such as glass or stainless steel water bottles, and filter our tap water. While it may be convenient to buy bottled water, the single-use plastic bottles contribute to environmental pollution and can end up in our oceans and landfills, further exacerbating the problem. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can help protect our health and the environment from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

Plastic particles are also present in tap water

Plastic is present in water bottles in the form of microplastics and nanoplastics. A recent study found that a litre of bottled water contained about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic, with 90% being nanoplastics. This is 10 to 100 times more than seen in earlier studies, which focused on larger microplastics.

The sources of plastic particles in tap water include the use of plastic pipes, water storage and treatment equipment, and environmental pollution. Plastic pipes, water storage tanks, and treatment equipment can all contribute to the presence of plastic particles in tap water. In addition, environmental pollution from sources such as littering, poor waste management, stormwater runoff, and discharges from fishing vessels, cargo ships, and cruise ships can also lead to plastic contamination in water sources.

Furthermore, wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove all microplastic particles, which can then be discharged into waterways through wastewater effluent. Microplastics can also remain in the sewage sludge that may be applied as fertiliser on agricultural fields, further contributing to environmental pollution and the presence of microplastics in water sources.

While the presence of plastic particles in tap water is a concern, there are ways to reduce exposure. Certain filters can help remove plastic particles from tap water, and using plastic-free ceramic, glass, or stainless steel reusable water bottles can also help. In addition, choosing less processed foods, such as loose fruits and vegetables, can help reduce exposure to plastic particles, as these foods are usually less contaminated by plastic.

Plastic does not break down, it breaks into smaller pieces

Plastic is a human-made material that does not occur in nature and, as such, the natural world does not know how to deal with it. Unlike natural substances, plastic does not break down over time. Instead, it breaks apart into smaller and smaller pieces, a process known as fragmentation. This process is sped up when plastics are exposed to water, sunlight, oxidation, friction, or heat.

The plastic that makes up water bottles, called PET or polyethylene terephthalate, is no exception to this rule. A recent study found that a single litre of bottled water contained about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic, with 90% of these fragments being nanoplastics. These nanoplastics are so small that they are barely visible even under the most advanced microscopes.

The process of plastic fragmentation is already well underway, with microplastics being found in the ocean, soil, air, and even in remote regions of the world. Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic are poured into the sea, and it has become evident that microplastics can no longer be completely removed from the natural world. This is a major concern as the health effects of nanoplastics and microplastics on the human body are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that microplastics can absorb and accumulate toxic chemicals in the environment, which then leach into living bodies, waters, soils, and plants.

To reduce your exposure to plastic particles, it is recommended to use plastic-free ceramic, glass, or stainless steel reusable water bottles. Additionally, choosing less processed foods such as loose fruits and vegetables can help to reduce your intake of plastic particles, as these foods are usually less contaminated by plastic.

Plastic particles can be identified using SRS microscopy

Plastic is everywhere in our daily lives. From lawn furniture to water bottles, plastic is constantly breaking apart into smaller pieces that remain plastic. This is a pressing issue, as the health effects of nanoplastics and microplastics in our bodies are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that like all plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics contain a mix of additive chemicals, with at least 25% officially classified as hazardous.

To address the issue of plastic particles in bottled water, researchers at Columbia University modified a powerful imaging technique called stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy. SRS microscopy is used to visualize small molecules in living cells and works by focusing two laser beams on samples to stimulate certain molecules to emit unique detectable light signals. The technique does not depend on labeling specific molecules to find them, unlike many other methods.

The researchers developed a new SRS approach to detect micro- and nanoplastics at the single-particle level. They confirmed that the technique could rapidly spot plastic particles smaller than 1 μm and then developed a machine-learning algorithm to detect seven common types of plastic. The team analyzed the micro- and nanoplastics in three popular brands of bottled water and found that, on average, a liter of bottled water included about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic, with about 90% of these fragments being nanoplastics.

The SRS microscopy technique is well-known to be significantly faster than regular Raman imaging and provides high throughput on particle imaging. It also allows for the extraction of morphological information such as size and shape, which can be used to estimate the actual size of particles below the diffraction limit. This is important for detecting nanoplastics, which are believed to be more toxic due to their ability to more easily enter the human body.

Plastic particles can enter the human bloodstream

Plastic is everywhere, and it's in us too. A recent study found that a litre of bottled water contains about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic, with an average of 1.6 micrograms of plastic particles per ml of water. That's the equivalent of one teaspoon of plastic per ten large bathtubs of water. These plastic particles are not just in the water we drink; they're in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the rain we walk through.

It's no surprise, then, that plastic particles have been detected in human blood and are known to enter the bloodstream. A study in the Netherlands found evidence of microplastics, or microscopic pieces of plastic, in human blood for the first time. These particles are so small that they easily become airborne and are inhaled or ingested. Once in the body, they can enter the bloodstream and accumulate, as they do in the environment.

The health effects of nanoplastics and microplastics in our bodies are not yet fully understood, but it is already a cause for concern. Microplastics and nanoplastics are known to contain a mix of additive chemicals, with over 16,000 chemicals counted in plastics, and at least 25% classified as hazardous. These chemicals include hormone-disrupting and cancer-causing phthalates, PFAS, and bisphenols, as well as toxic heavy metals like lead and arsenic.

Additionally, microplastics can absorb and accumulate other toxic chemicals from the environment, which then leach into our bodies, waters, soils, and plants. Plastic water bottles, for example, are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, from which at least 150 chemicals can leach into the liquid inside. With plastic pollution only expected to increase in the coming years, it is crucial to understand the potential health risks associated with plastic particle exposure.

Frequently asked questions