How Microplastics Can Be Trapped in Drinking Water
Microplastics accumulating in the body worry experts. Therefore, it's crucial to minimize intake. A Chinese research team has found a way to significantly reduce the number of microplastics in drinking water.
People who drink only boiled and filtered water can reduce their risk of consuming nano- and microplastics, or NMPs. This was discovered by a research team from the Chinese Jinan University in Guangzhou. Notably, they found impressive results with hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
For their study, the researchers created various types of tap water, adding different proportions of minerals, chemicals, and microplastics, as typically found in different regions. They then boiled the water for several minutes and re-analyzed the components of each water sample.
Coffee filter sufficient
The results showed that the NMP content in hard water (300 milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter) was reduced by up to 90% after five minutes of boiling. In soft water (60 milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter), up to 25% of NMPs could still be removed through boiling.
The researchers found that the calcium carbonate formed during boiling encapsulates a large portion of the nano- and micro-particles. They suggest that the floating particles can be removed using a simple filter after the water has cooled. A regular coffee filter is sufficient, as the free-floating NMPs are bound to calcium carbonate and thus larger in size.
However, the research team acknowledges that it remains unclear whether this method can effectively reduce NMP levels in drinking water. Nevertheless, their findings suggest that further research in this direction is warranted. Those who already boil their water can not only reduce NMP levels but also minimize the risk of bacterial, viral, or parasitic contamination.
While the exact health impacts of NMPs on humans are not yet known, there are indications that they can disrupt certain bodily compositions, such as the gut microbiome. Experts agree that NMP intake should be minimized as much as possible.
Further investigations can be conducted to examine if boiling water and using a coffee filter can significantly lower NMP levels in different types of drinking water. Adhering to this method could contribute to maintaining overall health and safety, as experts advise minimizing NMP intake due to its potential effects on bodily compositions like the gut microbiome.
