This Simple Hack can cut your Microplastic Intake by 90%

Tiny fragments of microplastics are infiltrating human bodies in alarming quantities, primarily through food and drink. Recent research has identified a simple yet effective method to remove these microplastics from water, providing a potential solution to this growing concern.

Researchers from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University in China conducted a series of experiments on both soft water and hard tap water, the latter containing a higher mineral content. During these experiments, the researchers introduced Nanoplastics and Microplastics (NMPs) into the water, then boiled the liquid to tray and filter out any precipitates.

The study revealed that in some cases, the boiling and filtering process removed up to 90 percent of the NMPs, though the effectiveness varied based on the type of water. A significant advantage of this method is its accessibility, as most individuals can carry it out using common kitchen utensils.

"This simple boiling water strategy can 'decontaminate' NMPs from household tap water and has the potential for harmlessly alleviating human intake of NMPs through water consumption," the researchers stated in their paper, published in February.

The findings indicated that a higher concentration of NMPs was removed from samples of hard tap water. This type of water naturally forms a buildup of limescale, or calcium carbonate, when heated. The chalky substance, often seen inside kitchen kettles, forms on the surface of plastics as temperature changes cause calcium carbonate to precipitate out of the solution. This process effectively traps the plastic fragments within a crust.

Even in soft water, which contains less dissolved calcium carbonate, approximately 25 percent of the NMPs were captured. The lime-encrusted plastic particles could then be filtered out using simple tools, such as a stainless-steel mesh used to strain tea, according to the researchers.

Previous studies have detected fragments of various plastics—such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate—in potable tap water, which is consumed daily in varying amounts. To further validate their strategy, the researchers added additional Nanoplastic particles, which were effectively reduced through boiling.

"Drinking boiled water apparently is a viable long-term strategy for reducing global exposure to NMPs," the researchers wrote. "Drinking boiled water, however, is often regarded as a local tradition and prevails only in a few regions."

The research team hopes that boiling drinking water will become a more widely adopted practice as plastic pollution continues to escalate worldwide.

While the full extent of the health risks posed by microplastics remains uncertain, their presence is undoubtedly concerning. Plastics have been linked to changes in the gut microbiome and an increase in antibiotic resistance within the body.

The researchers advocate for further research into how boiling water might prevent artificial materials from entering human bodies, potentially mitigating some of the harmful effects associated with microplastics.

"Our results have ratified a highly feasible strategy to reduce human NMP exposure and established the foundation for further investigations with a much larger number of samples," the authors concluded.

The Difference Between Nanoplastics and Microplastics

The distinction between nanoplastics and microplastics primarily lies in their size:

• Microplastics are plastic particles that are smaller than 5 millimeters (mm) but larger than 100 nanometers (nm). They are often categorized into two types:

  • Primary microplastics: Manufactured to be small, such as microbeads in personal care products like facial scrubs or pellets used in plastic manufacturing.

  • Secondary microplastics: Result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags, and fishing nets, through processes like weathering, UV radiation, and mechanical abrasion.

• Nanoplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 100 nanometers (nm). Due to their minuscule size, nanoplastics can penetrate cells and tissues more easily than microplastics.

Behavior and Impact of Nanoplastics and Microplastics

• Microplastics can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, from small aquatic life like plankton to larger animals, including fish and birds. These particles often accumulate in digestive systems, leading to physical blockages, reduced food intake, and exposure to toxic chemicals associated with plastics, such as additives or pollutants adsorbed onto their surfaces.

• Nanoplastics, due to their smaller size, can penetrate deeper into biological tissues, including cells and organs. This ability allows them to cross biological barriers, such as the intestinal lining or the blood-brain barrier, posing potential risks to cellular and genetic material. Their small size also increases their surface area relative to volume, potentially enhancing their ability to carry and release toxins.

Detection and Removal Challenges

• Microplastics are more easily detected and removed from environments like water through filtration and other mechanical processes due to their larger size. Technologies such as sieves, nets, and certain filtration systems can effectively capture microplastic particles.

• Nanoplastics, however, are more challenging to detect and remove due to their nanoscale size. Advanced analytical techniques, such as electron microscopy or spectroscopy, are required to identify and measure nanoplastics. Their removal necessitates more sophisticated filtration methods or chemical treatments.

Environmental and Health Risks

Both microplastics and nanoplastics pose significant environmental and health risks. However, nanoplastics are generally considered more concerning due to their ability to enter cells, interact with biological molecules, and potentially cause more profound physiological and toxicological effects. While both types of plastic pollution are worrisome, nanoplastics present unique challenges and risks due to their size, behavior, and potential to cause harm at a cellular level.