Microplastics in your Drinking Water!

Microplastics in Drinking Water: A Growing Concern

Decades of plastic pollution have led to severe environmental consequences, including the contamination of our water sources. While much attention has been given to plastic waste in the oceans and its impact on marine life, recent studies suggest that these tiny plastic particles are also finding their way into our food and drinking water.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are extremely small plastic particles, typically less than five millimeters in size, that result from the breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste. They are not a specific type of plastic but can come from various sources, including synthetic fibres, packaging materials, and degraded plastic debris.

Over time, exposure to sunlight, weathering, and mechanical abrasion causes plastic materials to break down into tiny fibres and fragments. These microplastics can absorb harmful chemicals and are often ingested by marine life, land animals, and ultimately, humans.

Plastic Pollution and Ocean Gyres

Large accumulations of plastic waste have been documented in the world’s oceans, forming massive garbage patches. These patches are found within five major ocean gyres, which are circulating ocean currents that trap floating debris:

• North Pacific Subtropical Gyre                 
• South Pacific Subtropical Gyre
• North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre
• South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre
• Indian Ocean Subtropical Gyre

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is the largest of these, located between Hawaii and California. It consists of two main zones: the Western and Eastern Pacific Garbage Patches. Research from The Ocean Cleanup estimates its surface area to be 1.6 million square kilometers—twice the size of Texas or three times the size of France. It is further estimated that 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year.

 

What does this mean for your drinking water?

While study’s have been conducted on the impact to our oceans since the 1990’s, it has been assumed our drinking water, in particular town supplies and bottled water, is a healthy filtered source that is managed to ensure we don’t have harmful elements making their way to our taps.

But a recent study by Orb Media, a journalism organization who conduct reporting and research on issues that impact society, found some interesting data in a small test conducted across several countries.

Water samples were collected from various cities in Lebanon, Ecuador, Uganda, Indonesia, India, the UK, Germany, France and the US. Tap water & branded bottled water was used, with 83% of the samples contaminated with plastic fibres!

• 259 individual bottles from 27 different lots across 11 brands were tested. Purchased from 19 locations in 9 countries
• 93% of bottled water showed some sign of microplastic contamination
• Contamination is at least partially coming from packaging, and/or the bottling process itself.

The research was not conducted or published for scientific purposes, but it has led to the World Health Organistion (WHO) to instigate their own research. They have stated “that much more data would be required on microplastics’ impact on human health for them to take action”. Their findings will be closely scrutinized by people globally.

How Does This Affect Your Drinking Water?

For years, it was believed that municipal water supplies and bottled water were properly filtered and safe from microplastic contamination. However, a study conducted by Orb Media, an independent journalism organization, suggests otherwise.

In a small-scale study across multiple countries, researchers analysed tap and bottled water samples from locations in Lebanon, Ecuador, Uganda, Indonesia, India, the UK, Germany, France, and the US. The results were alarming:

• 83% of tap water samples contained plastic fibres
• 93% of bottled water samples showed microplastic contamination
• 259 bottled water samples from 11 brands and 9 countries were tested
• Contamination was linked to packaging materials and the bottling process

Although this research was not conducted for scientific publication, it raised concerns significant enough for the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch its own investigation. WHO has stated that more extensive research is required to determine the potential risks of microplastic consumption on human health.

What’s Next?

As research continues, scientists and environmental organizations are closely monitoring the effects of microplastics in our water supply. While their long-term impact on human health is still unclear, awareness is growing, and steps are being taken to address plastic pollution at its source.

How Can You Improve the Quality of Your Drinking Water?

Choosing the correct filtration system is important. Filtering water can help improve water quality, remove impurities, improve taste and smell and makes water safe for consumption.