Microplastics, those tiny fragments of plastic that are causing widespread concern for their impact on the environment, are now making their way deep inside our bodies in concerning quantities. These microplastics are finding their way into our food and drink, posing a potential health risk that scientists are now working to address.
Recent research conducted by a team from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University in China has uncovered a simple and effective method for removing microplastics from water. The researchers conducted tests on both soft water and hard tap water, adding nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) before boiling the liquid and filtering out any precipitates.
The results of the study showed that the boiling and filtering process was able to remove up to 90 percent of the NMPs from the water, with the effectiveness varying based on the type of water used. This simple method can be easily implemented by individuals using common kitchen tools, making it a practical solution for reducing microplastic exposure through water consumption.
One interesting finding from the study was that hard tap water, which contains higher levels of minerals and forms limescale when heated, was more effective at removing NMPs compared to soft water. The calcium carbonate in hard water forms a crust on the plastic surface, trapping the microplastic fragments and allowing them to be easily filtered out.
Even in soft water, where less calcium carbonate is present, a significant portion of the NMPs were successfully removed through the boiling and filtering process. The researchers suggest using a simple filter, such as a stainless steel mesh, to strain out any remaining plastic particles that may be trapped in the limescale.
Previous studies have shown that microplastics, including fragments of polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, are present in potable tap water. By adding additional nanoplastic particles to the water samples, the researchers were able to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the boiling and filtering method in reducing microplastic contamination.
The researchers believe that drinking boiled water could be a viable long-term strategy for reducing global exposure to microplastics. While drinking boiled water may be a local tradition in some regions, the research team hopes to see this practice become more widespread as plastic pollution continues to be a growing concern.
Although the exact health implications of microplastic ingestion are still not fully understood, studies have linked plastic exposure to changes in the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance in the body. The researchers behind this study are calling for more research to explore how boiled water could help keep artificial materials out of our bodies and mitigate the potential negative effects of microplastic contamination.
The findings of this study have been published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue of microplastic pollution in our water sources. As more research is conducted in this area, the hope is that simple solutions like boiling water could play a significant role in reducing human exposure to microplastics and protecting our health and the environment.