Chloe Zhang
The presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in drinking water has become an increasingly prevalent topic, with recent technological developments detecting thousands of tiny plastic particles in single-use water bottles. While the health effects of nanoplastics are still under-researched, the available research on microplastics suggests possible disruptions to hormone levels and the immune system. As such, removing these plastic particles from drinking water is essential. Various methods can be employed to filter out nanoplastics, including reverse osmosis, distillation, and ultrafiltration. While there is no commercially available testing method for nanoplastics removal, certain filtration systems, such as LifeStraw, utilize ultrafiltration membranes capable of blocking particles down to sizes exceeding 0.02 microns, which may effectively block nanoplastic particles. Other suggested methods include using filtering water bottles, which contain built-in filters that remove microplastics, and ceramic filters with a micron rating of less than 2.5.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filtration pore size | Less than 0.02 microns |
| Filtration method | Reverse osmosis, distillation, ultrafiltration, slow sand filters |
| Drawbacks | No commercially available testing method for efficacy in nanoplastics removal, expensive |
| Other methods | Filtering water bottles, water filter jugs |
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What You'll Learn
Using a LifeStraw water filter bottle
The LifeStraw water filter bottle uses two different types of membrane filtration depending on the needs of the user. The first and most common filter used in LifeStraw products is a membrane microfilter capable of blocking particulates and pathogens larger than 0.2 microns in size. This effectively removes microplastics based on size exclusion. However, nanoplastics are generally too small to be blocked by this filtration pore size.
The second membrane type used in LifeStraw purifier products is an ultrafilter that can block particles and pathogens down to sizes exceeding 0.02 microns. While these ultrafilters are, in principle, effective at blocking nanoplastic particles, it should be noted that no commercially available testing method exists for efficacy in nanoplastics removal.
LifeStraw's consumer water filtration products provide reliable and versatile alternatives to bottled water, enabling safe hydration from a local tap or nearby river or stream. One LifeStraw product can provide up to 8,000 water bottles' worth of safe drinking water, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles that are polluting the world's oceans.
LifeStraw is committed to working with company partners to advocate for the reduction of disposable plastic water bottles and to reduce the plastic used in its products and packaging. LifeStraw also aims to only work with plastic materials that are recyclable and to perform routine manufacturing assessments to identify product components that can be made from recycled or upcycled plastic water bottles and ocean plastics.
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Employing a stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) approach
Nanoplastics are plastic particles smaller than 1 μm in size. Due to their minuscule size, they can easily enter the human body and are believed to be more toxic than microplastics. Detecting nanoplastics in water is challenging as it requires nano-level sensitivity and the ability to identify plastic particles specifically.
A team of researchers at Columbia University has developed a novel stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) approach to detect micro- and nanoplastics. SRS is a nonlinear technique that uses laser light sources to probe the vibrational modes of molecules. It is a coherent process that provides stronger signals and the ability to time-resolve vibrational motions. By employing a coherent Stokes laser, SRS amplifies the scattering crossing section of a specific spectral mode. When a pulsed narrowband Stokes laser is used, the stimulated Raman enhancement factor can be maximized to more than 108. This makes it possible to detect a single nanoplastic particle in just tens of microseconds.
The SRS approach has several advantages over other particle imaging techniques. It offers higher sensitivity, faster imaging speed, fine spatial resolution, and the ability to perform 3D imaging without labels. These advantages make it a powerful tool for detecting nanoplastic particles in water.
While the SRS approach shows promise in detecting nanoplastics, it is important to note that no commercially available testing methods exist for nanoplastics removal. Distillation and ultrafiltration are potential methods for purifying water and removing nanoplastic particles. However, further research and testing are needed to fully understand the effectiveness of these methods.
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Using a water distiller
Water distillation is an effective method for removing nano plastics from water. Distillation separates microplastics from water during the distillation process, as water vaporises, leaving microplastics behind in the distillation chamber.
A home water distiller can be used to remove microplastics and other contaminants by turning boiling water into steam and back into liquid, leaving plastic particles behind in the boiling process. Distillation setups can be purchased, and users can easily distill enough drinking water for their needs. It is recommended to distil water every five days and store it in glass jars.
However, critics argue that distilled water lacks essential minerals required for health and that it tastes flat. Some suggest adding lemon juice to improve the taste of distilled water. Distilled water also does not contain calcium and can leach calcium from the body. Boiling water is an inexpensive way to remove nano plastics, removing 90% of MNPs when the water is hard, but only 25% when the water is soft.
While no single strategy will remove all microplastics, filtering drinking water is a step in the right direction. Other methods to reduce exposure to nano plastics include avoiding single-use plastic items, recycling plastic packaging, and wearing clothing made of organic fibres.
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$59.99 $69.99
Investing in a tankless RO under-sink system
The presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in drinking water has become a growing concern for many people. Scientists have found an alarming rate of minuscule plastic particles in drinking water that can pose significant health risks.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is an advanced filtration method that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in reducing the presence of microplastics in drinking water. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether RO systems can effectively remove nanoplastics. While some studies suggest that RO filters may introduce nanoplastics into the water, others indicate that ultrafiltration may be capable of removing them.
One recommended option is the SimPure Q3-600 Tankless RO system, which offers both purified and mineralized water options. It is important to install pre-filters, such as sediment and carbon filters, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper placement, alignment, and connections. Regular maintenance, including changing pre-filters every 3-6 months and cleaning the storage tank, is crucial to maintain water quality and prevent bacterial growth.
While tankless RO under-sink systems can be a good investment for those concerned about microplastics, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of these systems in removing nanoplastics is still under question. Distillation may be an alternative method to consider for completely purifying water, although it requires raw water with no chlorine.
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Purchasing a filtering water bottle
When purchasing a filtering water bottle, it is important to consider the type of filter it uses, as some filters are more effective at removing nanoplastics than others. Here are some factors to consider:
Type of Filter
The two main types of filters used in water bottles are membrane filters and carbon filters. Membrane filters work by blocking particulates and pathogens larger than a certain size, while carbon filters use activated carbon to absorb contaminants. Membrane filters are more commonly used in water bottles, but carbon filters can be more effective at removing nanoplastics.
Filter Pore Size
The pore size of the filter is crucial in removing nanoplastics. Nanoplastics are typically smaller than 0.2 microns in size, so look for a filter with a pore size smaller than that. Some filters with ultrafiltration technology can block particles as small as 0.02 microns, which is effective against nanoplastics.
Replacement Frequency
It is important to replace the filter regularly to maintain its effectiveness. Check the recommended replacement schedule for the specific product you choose and set reminders to ensure you stay on top of it. The replacement frequency will depend on the type of filter and the volume of water filtered.
Bottle Material
Avoid plastic bottles, as they can be a source of nanoplastic contamination. Instead, opt for bottles made from materials like stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic alternatives.
Additional Features
Some filtering water bottles offer additional features like vitamin and mineral infusion, flavour options, or the ability to filter water on-the-go from any source. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a bottle.
While the presence of nanoplastics in drinking water is a growing concern, there are filtering water bottle options available to reduce your exposure. Remember to also minimise your use of single-use plastics and choose reusable alternatives whenever possible to reduce plastic contamination in the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to filter out nanoplastics from drinking water. You can use a water filter bottle, which contains a built-in filter that removes impurities, including nanoplastics, from the water as you drink it. Another way is to use a LifeStraw, which uses an ultrafilter that can block particles and pathogens down to sizes exceeding 0.02 microns, effectively blocking nanoplastic particles. You can also try water distillation, which is the process of boiling water and collecting the condensation, leaving behind impurities like heavy metals and nanoplastics.
Yes, reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration are two other methods that can be used to filter out nanoplastics. However, it is important to note that no commercially available testing method exists to determine the efficacy of nanoplastics removal.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid using refrigerator filters as they are not effective at removing nanoplastics. While they use an activated carbon core that reduces contaminants via adsorption, their average micron rating of 20 is not suitable for filtering out nanoplastics.
Yes, biologically active slow sand filters can remove nanoplastics in the schmutzdecke biofilm layer of the filter. However, slow sand filters require raw water with no chlorine, so lake or river water is needed as the input.
