A recent study conducted by researchers at Columbia University and Rutgers University has uncovered shocking findings about the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water. According to this research, the concentrations of plastics are 10 to 100 times higher than previously estimated, raising significant concerns about the safety of bottled water.
The study’s findings
Researchers used a cutting-edge technology known as stimulated Raman scattering microscopy to identify plastic particles in bottled water. Their results were staggering: an average of 240,000 plastic fragments per liter were detected across various brands of bottled water. “People developed methods to see nano particles, but they didn’t know what they were looking at,” explained the study’s lead author, Naixin Qian.
These particles, which are predominantly nanoplastics (measuring less than a micrometer), are small enough to potentially enter the bloodstream. Once inside, they could travel to critical organs such as the heart and brain, posing unknown risks to human health.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2024, broke new ground in understanding plastic contamination in bottled water. Notably, it found that while 10% of the detected particles were microplastics (between 5 millimeters and 1 micrometer), a staggering 90% were nanoplastics, which are even harder to detect and much more concerning.
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The small size of these particles means they are more likely to infiltrate human cells, bypassing the body’s usual defense mechanisms. Researchers have expressed concern over the potential long-term effects of exposure to these microscopic plastics, which may not only affect our organs but also disrupt biological functions. The tiny nature of nanoplastics makes them nearly invisible and difficult to remove, leading to further complications in assessing the extent of their impact.
Given the pervasive nature of plastic contamination, researchers are now focused on understanding the health implications of consuming these particles. The implications are vast—nanoplastics could affect everything from human development to the nervous system, yet their full effects remain largely unknown.
One brand stands out
Among the many brands of bottled water tested, there was one that stood out for having no detectable microplastics or nanoplastics. While the study does not name this brand, it demonstrates that it is possible to produce bottled water without plastic contamination, provided that strict filtration and packaging processes are followed. This discovery has the potential to reshape the bottled water industry, encouraging brands to adopt better filtration methods and making consumers more mindful of the water they drink.
While the study’s findings are concerning, they also present an opportunity for improvement. The research suggests that the contamination of bottled water isn’t limited to the packaging alone, but also stems from the filtration systems used during production.
By the way, Beizhan Yan, an environmental chemist at Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, advised that “If people are concerned about nanoplastics in bottled water, it’s reasonable to consider alternatives like tap water.”
