What are Microplastics and How do they invade the Plastic Bottled Water?

Microplastics are omnipresent, or are present everywhere in the environment, such as breakdown of larger plastic waste, microbeads in personal care products, synthetic fibres from clothing, and even plastic particles usually released from packaging materials. In fact, plastic bottled water is particularly vulnerable to microplastic contamination because of the non-biodegradable plastic containers it’s stored in and the atmospheric conditions under which it is bottled, transported and stored. Scientific studies show that even the bottling process can contribute to microplastic contamination like during production, microscopic plastic particles or microplastics are shed from the machinery and bottle caps, directly finding their way into the water, making it impure and at times, poisonous. Also, when these plastic bottles are exposed to heat, during transportation or storage processes, the plastic material can break down or leach, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics into water! Hence, minimizing plastic waste is an urgent need of the hour to save all the living creatures on this earth as well as the ecosystems!

Scientific Research confirm Microplastics in Plastic Bottled Water

Several scientific studies have shown high levels of microplastic contamination in plastic bottled water. One such salient study from the State University of New York in 2018 tested around 259 bottled water samples from popular brands across nine nations, and found that more than 90% of the plastic bottled water contained microplastics in the form of polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon particles, which are some of the common plastic products used in packaging. Therefore, switch to sustainable products like reusable glass water bottles or steel bottles, jars or cans to prevent health hazards as well as environmental damage.

Consuming Microplastics can be fatal too!

The potential health risks by consuming microplastics unknowingly or knowingly are still under survey, but some of the serious health concerns proved through scientific studies are listed below:

a) Damaging Cells and Tissues: When consumed through plastic containers or bottles, microplastics can irritate and even damage the lining of the digestive tract . Research on animals have shown that microplastics can accumulate in several vital organs, which raises concerns about the long-term disastrous effects on human health. Therefore, sustainable manufacturing companies like WAE have come up with completely sustainable drinking water solutions through their eco-friendly drinking water machines, ROs, water dispensers, STDs and WTPs, etc.

b) Releasing Toxic Chemicals: Many plastics contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can cause severe hormonal disorders and impact our bodily functions. As a matter of fact, when microplastics break down, they eventually, release these harmful chemicals, which have serious effects, damaging the reproductive, developmental and immunity systems of a human body. Therefore, purifying the potable water before use by ro water purifiers will not only prevent fatal diseases, but also help in keeping your immune system and your body strong and healthy!

c) Carrier of Deadly Pollutants: Some microplastics can attract and combine with heavy metals, poisonous pesticides and other toxic materials, rampantly scattered in the atmosphere. When these are ingested, the contaminants may be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially enhancing the risk of chronic health issues. Thus, proper and efficient water filtration systems can reduce the risks of many chronic and fatal diseases like certain cancers, cardiovascular issues and autoimmune disorders.

What is the Way Forward?

The following are some significant steps, we can take to limit our exposure to microplastics, especially through plastic bottled water:

a) Switch to Reusable Glass/Steel Bottles: By using a high-quality, BPA-free reusable water bottle, you can avoid the single-use plastic that contributes to microplastic contamination.
b) Choose Filtered Tap Water or Water Dispensers with ROs: Many home water filtration systems are effective at removing microplastics and other contaminants from tap water. Look for filters with a carbon block, reverse osmosis, or nanofiltration technology.
c) Abandon Disposable Plastics for Good: Reducing your reliance on single-use plastics in all forms (e.g., plastic bags, straws, and food containers) can help limit overall plastic pollution, indirectly reducing microplastic contamination over time.
d) Check the Atmospheric Conditions: If you must drink bottled water, avoid bottles that have been exposed to heat or sunlight for extended periods, as these conditions accelerate the breakdown of plastics into microplastics.

Thus, to sum up “microplastics in bottled water are a growing concern that highlights a larger issue of plastic pollution and its impact on human health.” While bottled water may seem like a convenient and easy option for all of us, it’s necessary to recognize the hidden risks that come with microplastic contamination.