Bottled water has long been perceived as a safer and more convenient option for hydration. Popular brands like Evian, Fiji, and Dasani dominate the shelves, offering what many consumers believe to be a cleaner alternative to tap water. However, recent findings from a Columbia University study challenge this perception, revealing a shocking amount of nanoplastics present in bottled water.
240,000 Nanoplastic Particles Per Liter Bottle
In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (January 2024), researchers analyzed bottled water from three popular, unnamed brands. The team employed cutting-edge, laser-guided technology to detect and quantify nanoplastics, particles so small they evade traditional detection methods. On average, the researchers found 240,000 nanoplastic particles per liter of bottled water—significantly more than earlier studies that had identified around 300 plastic particles per liter in 2018.
Seven types of plastics were found in the water, including polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET, often used for plastic bottles, was expected. However, the discovery of multiple other plastic types—and their size, some as small as 200 nanometers—raises new concerns about the bottled water industry.
Nanoplastics: A Growing Concern
Unlike microplastics, which can be seen with microscopes, nanoplastics are so tiny they can easily penetrate human cells. This aspect is what has scientists particularly concerned. Nanoplastics have already been detected in human blood, lung tissues, and even the placenta. “Micro and nanoplastics have been found in the human placenta… and human lung tissues,” said Phoebe Stapleton, co-author of the study and associate professor at Rutgers University.
Yet despite their pervasiveness, there is still much unknown about their long-term effects on human health. The Columbia study adds to a growing body of research, but pressing questions remain unanswered: how much nanoplastic exposure is harmful, and what diseases or conditions might these tiny particles trigger over time?
The Potential Risks of Nanoplastic Exposure
Although scientists do not fully understand how nanoplastics affect human health, there are reasons for concern. Some studies have indicated that microplastics, when ingested, can negatively impact cell viability, potentially leading to a range of health issues. Given their smaller size, nanoplastics could be even more dangerous, though more research is needed to confirm this.
Dr. Sara Benedé of Spain’s National Research Council points out another potential issue. Nanoplastics can act as carriers for harmful substances, binding with pollutants, toxins, and microorganisms as they move through the environment. “[Nanoplastics] have the ability to bind all kinds of compounds… acting as carriers of all kinds of substances including environmental pollutants, toxins, antibiotics, or microorganisms,” Benedé explained. This characteristic makes it possible for these tiny particles to deliver harmful substances directly into human bodies.
How Do Nanoplastics Get Into Bottled Water?
One of the major questions surrounding nanoplastics is how they end up in bottled water in the first place. Given that plastic bottles are made from PET, it’s likely that much of the plastic found in bottled water comes from the packaging itself. “Based on other studies, we expected most of the microplastics in bottled water would come from leakage of the plastic bottle itself,” said Naixin Qian, the study’s lead author. However, the discovery of multiple types of plastic in bottled water suggests that the bottling process—filters, machinery, and packaging—could be introducing these particles as well.
The possibility of nanoplastics being present in freshwater sources, though not ruled out, seems less likely. While lakes, rivers, and streams have shown traces of microplastics, the significantly higher levels found in bottled water suggest that the majority of contamination comes from the plastic production and packaging process.
The Need for Further Research
The presence of nanoplastics in bottled water raises important questions about the broader health impacts of consuming these products. Despite the alarming results, the full extent of the health risks remains unclear. Researchers are calling for more studies to understand how much nanoplastic exposure is harmful and what diseases or conditions they might contribute to.
For now, avoiding bottled water when possible may be a wise choice. Environmental concerns over plastic waste have long pushed many to reduce bottled water consumption, but now, the potential health risks could provide further motivation. For most Americans, tap water—regularly tested and regulated—offers a safer and more sustainable alternative.
As bottled water consumption continues to grow, the discovery of nanoplastics raises critical questions about what we’re putting into our bodies. With hundreds of thousands of plastic particles detected in a single bottle, this study sheds light on the need for more research into how these tiny plastics affect human health. Until science provides clearer answers, turning to tap water and considering filtration systems like reverse osmosis may offer a safer, more sustainable alternative.
The Solution: Filtration
One way to reduce exposure to nanoplastics in drinking water is through advanced filtration systems. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems, in particular, can remove particles as small as nanoplastics, offering a potential solution for concerned consumers. These systems work by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane, filtering out contaminants, including micro and nanoplastics.
Additionally, whole-home water conditioners, often used to soften water, can improve water quality, although they are not specifically designed to remove plastics. For households concerned about the health risks posed by bottled water, installing a reverse osmosis filtration system might be a worthwhile investment.
Source: Upworthy