Sofia Martinez
Carbonated water is a popular beverage choice for many, offering a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. However, concerns have been raised about the potential presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled carbonated water. Studies have detected microplastic contamination in a significant percentage of plastic water bottles, and the release of these particles is influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and sugar content. While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unknown, it is advisable to minimize exposure. Consumers can opt for glass or aluminium containers, make their own carbonated water at home, or choose tap water to reduce their potential intake of microplastics and the environmental impact of plastic waste.
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What You'll Learn
- Carbonated water is a source of microplastics and nanoplastics
- Low temperatures and carbonation increase the release of MPs/NPs
- Carbon dioxide microbubbles can cause corrosion and mechanical damage
- Carbonated water is slightly more erosive to teeth than non-carbonated water
- PFAS levels in carbonated water can exceed recommended intake
Carbonated water is a source of microplastics and nanoplastics
Carbonated water is a popular beverage, especially during hot weather, providing a refreshing respite from the heat. However, recent studies have revealed that carbonated water, particularly in plastic bottles, is a source of microplastics and nanoplastics.
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in diameter, while nanoplastics (NPs) are even smaller plastic particles. These plastic particles can contaminate food and water, posing a risk to human health when ingested. In vitro experiments have shown that MPs can infiltrate human cell membranes, triggering inflammatory responses and causing potential neurotoxic effects. Similarly, NPs can accumulate in the human body, with a particular preference for the intestine and liver, potentially inducing enteritis and hepatitis.
Carbonated beverages, such as sparkling water, are characterized by low temperatures, multiple microbubbles, high pressure, and an acidic environment. These conditions create a perfect storm for releasing contaminants, including MPs and NPs, from plastic bottles. The shaking and opening of carbonated beverage containers release large amounts of CO2 microbubbles, which can generate destructive forces when they collapse. This process may contribute to the release of MPs and NPs into the water.
Research has shown that sugar content in carbonated beverages increases the release of MPs compared to sucrose-free options. Polypropylene bottles have also been found to release significantly more MPs and NPs than bottles made of other plastics, such as polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. Furthermore, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can significantly increase the release of MPs and NPs into the water.
While the health effects of ingesting MPs and NPs are not yet fully understood, the presence of these plastic particles in carbonated water highlights the importance of further research and the need for strategies to mitigate human ingestion.
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Low temperatures and carbonation increase the release of MPs/NPs
Carbonated water is water containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either artificially injected under pressure or occurring due to natural geological processes. Carbonation causes small bubbles to form, giving the water an effervescent quality. Carbonated water is characterized by low temperatures, multiple microbubbles, high pressure, and an acidic environment.
Low temperatures can alter the physical characteristics of plastics. For instance, plastic becomes fragile when frozen, presenting a risk of microplastics (MPs) being released. Carbon dioxide exhibits higher solubility at lower temperatures. The shaking when drinking carbonated beverages releases large amounts of CO2 microbubbles. These bubbles may generate destructive forces when they collapse. MPs exhibit greater affinity with bubbles than with ice and water, enabling their transportation from surfaces to solutions via bubbles.
The presence of sugar leads to an elevation in MPs release compared to sucrose-free carbonated water. The addition of additives to carbonated water has a negligible effect on MPs release. Carbonated beverages demonstrated higher MPs concentrations than those observed in experimental setups.
The release of MPs/NPs increases with increasing CO2 filling volume, driven by the synergistic effect of CO2 bubbles and pressure. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles significantly increase the release of MPs and NPs. The mobility of heavy metals is accelerated in acidic conditions. Therefore, the acidity of carbonated beverages may affect the concentration of heavy metals released from plastic bottles.
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Carbon dioxide microbubbles can cause corrosion and mechanical damage
Carbonated water is water containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either artificially injected under pressure or occurring due to natural geological processes. Carbonation causes small bubbles to form, giving the water an effervescent quality. Carbonated water has been produced on a large scale since 1781, and modern sources of CO2 include industrial processes such as burning fossil fuels and steam reforming of methane.
Carbonated beverages are characterized by low temperatures, multiple microbubbles, high pressure, and an acidic environment. The shaking when drinking carbonated beverages releases large amounts of CO2 microbubbles. Despite their small size, these bubbles may generate destructive forces when they collapse. Submerged objects such as ship rudders or propellers are susceptible to severe corrosion or mechanical damage from cavitation erosion caused by bubble rupture. Cavitation is a type of erosion corrosion in which the liquid flow undergoes a significant pressure drop that causes bubbles to be produced out of the liquid. The bubbles can burst forcefully and put high loads on materials, which in turn create pits and irregularities in the material.
Carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid when it reacts with water, giving carbonated water a slightly tart flavor. The concentration of carbonic acid is about 0.17% that of CO2, with a pH level between 5 and 6. While carbonated water is only slightly more erosive to teeth than non-carbonated water, the acid can still cause corrosion of certain metals. Carbon steel, for example, does not corrode in the presence of dry CO2, but excessive water content will lead to electrochemical corrosion.
In addition to corrosion, carbon dioxide microbubbles can also cause mechanical damage. The high velocity of fluid combined with corrosion can result in impingement corrosion, which can be mitigated by adding an erosion allowance to steels. Furthermore, the release of large amounts of CO2 microbubbles when drinking carbonated beverages can increase the risk of ingesting microplastics and nanoplastics. The presence of sugar, in particular, leads to an elevation in microplastic release. Strategies to reduce human ingestion of microplastics include selecting appropriate plastic materials, high-pressure carbonated water pretreatment, and minimizing freeze-thaw cycles.
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Carbonated water is slightly more erosive to teeth than non-carbonated water
Carbonated water is water containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either artificially injected under pressure or occurring due to natural geological processes. Carbonation causes small bubbles to form, giving the water an effervescent quality.
However, carbonated water is still much less erosive than other beverages, such as soda, which contains a high amount of sugar and is highly acidic, contributing to tooth decay and erosion. According to the National Institute of Health, beverages with a low pH tend to be more acidic, which can erode tooth enamel if consumed often and in large volumes. It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes after drinking carbonated water before brushing your teeth to prevent enamel erosion.
Some studies suggest that sparkling mineral water may have a positive influence on dental health by alkalinizing the mouth and remineralizing teeth, but more research is needed. Sour, cold, and sparkling properties increase salivary flow, and a greater flow of saliva reduces erosion risk. It is recommended to drink carbonated water without swishing or holding it in your mouth, and to rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking it.
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PFAS levels in carbonated water can exceed recommended intake
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in various products, from non-stick pans and food packaging to cosmetics and dental floss. These chemicals are designed to withstand water, oil, grease, and heat, but the downside is that they take a long time to break down in the human body and the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals".
A study by Consumer Reports found that some carbonated water brands had measurable amounts of PFAS, with sparkling water more likely to contain higher levels of the chemicals than still water. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends only drinking water with less than 1 part per trillion (ppt) of PFAS, but many carbonated water brands exceeded this level. For example, Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water, La Croix Natural Sparkling Water, and Topo Chico Natural Mineral Water all had PFAS levels higher than 1 ppt.
The presence of PFAS in drinking water is a concern due to its potential adverse effects on human health. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, hormonal disruption, thyroid issues, liver disease, kidney disease, birth defects, and developmental problems in children. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a health advisory level for two specific PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, at 70 ppt combined, but this is only a guideline and not an enforceable regulation.
While the bottled water industry has suggested limits of 5 ppt to 10 ppt for PFAS, some experts argue for an even lower threshold, with some recommending a cutoff for total PFAS levels at 1 ppt. Consumers who are concerned about PFAS levels in their drinking water can test their tap water with a home kit or through a local environmental agency, and then use a filter to remove PFAS if they are present. Making sparkling water at home with a countertop soda maker is another option for those wanting to control the PFAS levels in their drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, either artificially or through natural geological processes. The carbonation process involves chilling the water and injecting carbon dioxide under pressure, resulting in the formation of small bubbles and an effervescent quality.
Carbonated water is generally considered safe for consumption, and it can even provide a CDC-recommended substitute for sugary drinks. However, it is slightly more erosive to teeth than non-carbonated water, and it may cause gut health issues like bloating and reflux in some individuals.
Plastic bottles are commonly used for carbonated beverages due to their convenience and ability to withstand pressure. However, there are concerns about the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water, which may pose potential health risks.
To minimize your exposure to microplastics, choose glass bottles over plastic containers when purchasing carbonated drinks. You can also make your own carbonated water at home using a countertop soda maker or similar devices, allowing you to control the water quality and flavor.
Yes, you can find carbonated water packaged in cans or glass bottles. Additionally, you can make carbonated water at home using a carbon dioxide cartridge or a soda maker with glass bottles, providing a more environmentally friendly and potentially healthier option.
