by Patricia Wall – The Club at Woodbridge
The presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water has recently become a topic of widespread concern. These tiny plastic particles—measuring less than 5mm (microplastics) or even smaller (nanoplastics)—are ubiquitous in the environment, finding their way into our oceans, rivers, and even our drinking water. The alarming realization that bottled water, often marketed as a pure and pristine source of hydration, is not immune to plastic contamination raises important questions about the safety and sustainability of consuming these products.
What Are Microplastics and Nanoplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, such as bottles, bags, or fishing nets. These particles can also be found as fragments, beads, or fibers from synthetic fabrics and cleaning products. Nanoplastics are even smaller, often ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size. While the exact health implications of ingesting microplastics and nanoplastics are still being studied, there are concerns about their potential to accumulate in the body and cause harm.
How Did Microplastics and Nanoplastics End Up in Bottled Water?
Microplastics and nanoplastics can infiltrate bottled water through various means, including the plastic packaging itself, manufacturing processes, and contamination during bottling. Some particles may originate from the plastic bottles, as the plastic used in water bottles (PET, or polyethylene terephthalate) can degrade over time and release microplastics into the water. Other sources of contamination can include the bottling facility environment, where small particles from the air, machinery, or handling processes can find their way into the water.
How Many Microplastics and Nanoplastics Are in Bottled Water?
Several studies have been conducted to measure the concentration of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water. One of the most notable studies was published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, which examined the presence of microplastics in bottled water. The study found that, on average, a liter of bottled water contained about 10.4 microplastic particles per liter. Some individual brands had even higher concentrations.
In a more extensive study conducted by researchers from the State University of New York, findings revealed that some bottled water brands contained as many as 330 particles per liter. The particles detected in bottled water ranged in size from 1 to 100 micrometers, and in some cases, even smaller nanoplastic particles were found. The study highlighted that contamination varied greatly depending on the brand and the source of the water.
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO), 2019. Microplastics in Drinking Water. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/microplastics-in-drinking-water
- Kosuth, M., et al., 2018. “Analysis of the microplastic content of bottled water.” State University of New York. Retrieved from https://www.suny.edu/academics/research/microplastic-study/
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