New York City, USA – Researchers from Columbia University and Rutgers University have discovered alarming levels of microscopic plastic particles in bottled water. The concentration of these microplastics was found to be 10 to 100 times higher than previously estimated. The study, which was published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that a typical liter of bottled water contains approximately 240,000 detectable plastic fragments.
The researchers used a technique called stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, supported by machine learning algorithms, to identify seven common types of plastic in the water samples. They found that around 10% of the detected particles were microplastics, with the remaining 90% being nanoplastics, which are even smaller in size. These findings are concerning considering that microplastics have already been detected in various parts of the human body, including the lungs, excrement, blood, and placentas.
While microplastics have been previously discovered in bottled water, this study sheds light on the presence of nanoplastics, which may pose a greater danger due to their ability to be misidentified as natural components of cells within the body. Wei Min, a professor of chemistry at Columbia University and one of the study’s co-authors, explained that the smaller the particle size, the easier it is for the plastic to be mistakenly recognized as a natural substance.
The study did not disclose the specific brands of bottled water tested, but it raised concerns that the plastic particles may be shedding from the plastic used in certain types of water filters. Phoebe Stapleton, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University and co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of this research in providing a quantitative and visual representation of nanoplastic contamination in bottled water.
The researchers hope that their findings will increase awareness of the amount of plastic that humans unknowingly consume and the potential health effects. They plan to expand their research to include plastic particles in tap water, air, food, and human tissues. As part of an effort to address the global plastic pollution crisis, understanding the extent of plastic contamination in various sources is crucial.
According to the United Nations, humans produce over 440 million tons of plastic each year, with approximately 80% of it ending up in landfills or the environment. These findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions to minimize plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
In conclusion, this study reveals the alarming presence of microscopic plastic particles, including microplastics and nanoplastics, in bottled water. The high concentrations found highlight the need for further research and action to address plastic pollution. As the world confronts this global crisis, efforts should be made to reduce plastic waste and develop sustainable alternatives to protect human health and the environment.