Boiling Water Could Reduce Microplastics, New Research Suggests
Microplastics, those tiny plastic particles that seem to be everywhere, have become a growing concern due to their presence in food, breast milk, and even clouds. However, a recent study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters suggests that a simple solution may help reduce microplastics in drinking water: boiling it.
The study, conducted by Zhanjun Li and Eddy Y. Zeng from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University respectively, found that boiling and filtering water can remove up to nearly 90 percent of microplastic particles. The researchers analyzed tap water samples from 14 countries worldwide and discovered microplastics in 129 out of 159 samples.
While the impact of consuming these tiny particles is still not fully understood, the World Health Organization has highlighted potential health risks associated with exposure to microplastics. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the extent of these risks.
Chris Reddy, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of limiting non-natural substances in our intake. He also acknowledged that scientific research takes time and that more studies are required to gain a comprehensive understanding of microplastics.
The researchers created simulated tap water with common minerals, chemicals, and microplastics to investigate the effectiveness of boiling water in removing plastic particles. They discovered that boiling water was particularly effective in “hard” water, which contains high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium. At high temperatures, calcium carbonate in the water solidifies and encapsulates the plastic particles, making them easier to remove through simple filtration methods such as using a coffee filter.
While the study provides promising results, the researchers caution that more work needs to be done to fully comprehend the impact of microplastics on human health and the efficacy of boiling and filtering drinking water as a solution. The effectiveness of this method may vary depending on water quality and the amount of microplastics present in different regions.
The scientists behind the study hope that their research will inspire further investigations into this topic. They also note that boiling water is a relatively simple and accessible method that offers additional health benefits, such as eliminating potentially harmful microbes, parasites, and viruses.
If you’re interested in trying this method at home, the researchers advise waiting for 5 to 10 minutes to let the solids settle and allowing the water to cool before filtering out the particles. However, Reddy suggests that boiling all drinking water may not be necessary, especially in areas with “softer” water. Nonetheless, he finds hope in the study’s attainable solution and believes that meaningful change can be made in how plastic impacts our environment.
While we may not be able to eliminate all existing plastic from the Earth, taking steps to reduce microplastics in our drinking water is a significant stride towards a cleaner and healthier future.