Microplastic pollution has been identified as a growing global threat that could affect biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health. Studies have found that the amount of microplastics in bottled water is much higher than we expected. And most people use plastic every day. Maybe you think microplastics are far away from us, but they are pervasive and closely related to our lives.
Next, we will explore the hazards of microplastics and how to remove microplastics from drinking water.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics refer to plastic particles and fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm, including plastic fibers, particles, or films. These tiny plastic particles are widely present in the environment, from the ocean to the land, and even found in the human body. The sources of microplastics mainly include primary microplastics and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics refer to plastic particles that are directly discharged into the environment, such as microplastic particles in cosmetics or industrial raw materials. Secondary microplastics are formed by the decomposition of large plastic waste through physical, chemical, and biological processes. The hazards of microplastics are mainly reflected in their tiny size, which makes them more easily absorbed and accumulated by the environment than ordinary plastics, posing a potential threat to ecosystems and human health.
The hazards of microplastics
Biological hazards
Wandering microplastics are easily eaten by low-end food chain organisms such as mussels and zooplankton. Microplastics cannot be digested and can only exist in the stomach, occupying space, and causing animals to become sick or even die. If microplastics with organic pollutants are eaten, the harm to these plankton is even worse. The pollutants are released under the action of enzymes in the organisms, exacerbating their condition. Mussels, zooplankton, and other organisms at the bottom of the food chain will be eaten by upper animals, and microplastics, even microplastics, and organic pollutants will enter the bodies of upper animals. There are only 1% of harmful substances in the bottom animals, but it becomes 20% in the upper layers, which will make a large number of organisms that eat microplastics sick or die.
Human harm
Humans are at the top of the food chain. Under the effect of enrichment, humans will accumulate a large amount of microplastics in their bodies. These small particles that are difficult to digest will cause unpredictable harm to people.
A study by New York University found that the content of microplastics in infant feces is 20 times that of adults. Microplastics are plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm, which are mostly found in dust, food, and bottled water. Because babies like to crawl on the ground, chew plastic toys, and use plastic spoons and bottles, they are more exposed to plastic environments. The impact of microplastics on human health is still unknown.
A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024 made a milestone progress. The study described the potential link between microplastics in blood vessels and cardiovascular disease. The research team tracked 304 patients who underwent surgery to reduce the risk of stroke by removing plaques in the carotid arteries.
The long-term impact of microplastics on the ecological environment
The long-term impact of microplastics on the ecological environment is an issue that cannot be ignored. With the increasing use of plastics, microplastics have become one of the important factors in global environmental pollution. These tiny plastic particles not only affect terrestrial ecosystems but also have a profound impact on aquatic ecosystems.
How to remove microplastics from drinking water?
The issue of microplastics in drinking water is gaining more and more attention because of the negative impacts that microplastics may have on health and the environment. Here are a few common ways to help remove microplastics from drinking water:
1. Use filtration equipment: Installing efficient water filtration equipment can effectively remove microplastic particles from water. Choosing filters with materials such as microporous filters or activated carbon can effectively filter tiny particles.
2. Use reverse osmosis water filtration system: The reverse osmosis system is a high-efficiency filtration system that can filter tiny particles and organic matter, which can effectively remove microplastics from water.
3. Drink bottled water: Choosing bottled water that has been strictly tested and certified can reduce the intake of microplastics. Ensure the quality of bottled water is safe to avoid releasing microplastics from plastic bottles.
4. Clean the faucet filter regularly: Faucet filters may accumulate microplastic particles, and regular cleaning and replacement of filters can reduce microplastic pollution.
5. Reduce plastic use: By reducing the use of plastic products, such as glass bottles or stainless steel water bottles, the possibility of microplastics being released from plastic products into the environment can be reduced.
Although the above methods can help reduce the content of microplastics in drinking water, the most important thing is to prevent microplastics from entering the water source and protect the environment and water quality.
Related: Reverse Osmosis vs Activated Carbon: Which is Right for You?
What is the best water filter to remove microplastics?
Using a reverse osmosis water filtration system can remove microplastics from drinking water, and the system can remove more impurities and pollutants. Whether you are outdoors or at home, the RO water filtration system can remove most pollutants of different water qualities, allowing you to get healthy and safe drinking water anytime, anywhere.
The ITEHIL reverse osmosis water filtration system has passed multiple certifications, using PP cotton + activated carbon + reverse osmosis membrane filter element, using the safest filtration steps to ensure the safety of users and filtered water. At the same time, the ITEHIL water filter adopts a portable design and fast self-priming filtration. Therefore, the ITEHIL water purifier is the first choice for producing safe and healthy water.
Can boiling tap water remove microplastics?
In addition to using the above methods to remove microplastics, there is also the simplest treatment method, which is boiling. Boiling water can indeed reduce its content to a certain extent. When water is boiled, microplastic particles will combine with calcium carbonate in the water to form precipitates. Through simple filtration, we can remove up to 84% of microplastics. Therefore, boiling water before drinking is indeed an effective way to reduce the intake of microplastics.
5 Habits to Reduce the Risk of Microplastic Intake
Develop the habit of boiling water for drinking. Bring your water cup, preferably a glass cup, enamel cup, or stainless steel cup. Try to boil tap water or boil it yourself, and drink less bottled water.
Reduce the use of disposable plastic products. Try to reduce the use of disposable plastic tableware, including disposable paper cups, plastic lunch boxes, plastic bowls and spoons, packaging bags, and other plastic products.
Don't put a plastic bag in the bowl to eat. Don't put a plastic bag in the bowl to hold hot food, because high temperature will increase the rate and amount of microplastics. It is best to use a degradable box if you need to pack, and it is better to bring your lunch box.
Use less plastic straws. When liquid contacts the wall of the plastic straw, it will bring microplastics into the body, and hot drinks will increase this risk. Some people like to bite straws, and plastic straws will produce more microplastics when subjected to external forces.
Eat less processed foods in plastic packaging. Eat less processed foods. Processed foods are packaged layer by layer, and the risk of microplastic contamination is higher. Canned foods are generally coated with bisphenol A inside, and microplastics may degrade in food.
