Scanning bottled water with a newly invented electron microscope, scientists have discovered an alarming number of plastic nanoparticles floating inside. These virtually invisible particles pose a risk to human health once ingested.
Plastic is here, plastic is there, plastic is everywhere. Yep, even inside you.
Those startled by the recent news that Britain’s tap water contains carcinogenic PFAs and other toxic ‘forever chemicals’ may have promptly started swapping a quick refill at the sink for purchased bottled water.
New studies show, however, that drinking bottled water isn’t the healthiest option either. A close look with an electron microscope has revealed that a 1L plastic bottle of water contains around 240,000 otherwise invisible plastic particles, which is 10-100x more than previously estimated.
These particles are known as nanoplastics. They are thousands of times smaller than microplastics, measurable in billionths of a meter. As a result of their size (or lackthereof) they can pass directly into the bloodstream and then to vital organs, including the heart & brain.
The finding was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal.
The researchers analysed three different brands supplying bottled water globally.
They refused to disclose which companies they investigated because they believed the results would be similar across all bottled water, regardless of the brand.
Using a technique called Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy – a process recently invented by one of the paper’s co-authors – samples were probed with two lasers tuned to make specific molecules resonate. This information was then fed to a computer algorithm.
When analysing the results, they were able to identify between 110,000 to 370,000 particles per litre. At least 90 percent of these particles were nanoplastics small enough to enter the human bloodstream, while the rest were microplastics.
The most common type of nanoplastic found in bottled water was nylon, which the researchers believe is likely a result of the filtration process aimed at purification.
Another plastic, known as polyethylene terephthalate or PET, was also present in the bottled water samples. This is suspected to end up in the water from the bottle it is housed in, shedding when bottles are squeezed or when the top is removed and placed back on.
Amongst these were unidentified nanoparticles. If any of these are also nanoplastics, the prevalence of plastic in bottled water could be even higher than originally estimated.
Should we be worried?
Although there is a limited scientific understanding of how nanoplastics impact natural ecosystems and human health, a growing body of research is branding these substances as toxic.
Current lab results suggest that they may result in chronic gastrointestinal issues as well as reproductive abnormalities, as nanoplastics can pass through the placenta of pregnant women.
Still, experts say people should not avoid drinking bottled water if that is the only thing available to them. The immediate and severe consequences of being dehydrated are far more of a worry than nanoplastics are.
As part of its future research, the team is planning to investigate whether nanoparticles can be found in tap water, which is known to contain microplastics – albeit in much smaller quantities.
Unfortunately, it’s starting to feel like nowhere on Earth is safe from the plastics we have yet to phase out. Looking to the future, let’s hope that bioplastics see more investment and widescale production.
Deputy Editor & Content Partnership ManagerLondon, UK
I’m Jessica (She/Her). I’m the Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager at Thred. Originally from the island of Bermuda, I specialise in writing about ocean health and marine conservation, but you can also find me delving into pop culture, health and wellness, plus sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
This week, world leaders condemned Israel for ‘drip feeding’ aid into Gaza, while humanitarian groups warned that widespread man-made famine – caused by the ongoing Israeli blockade – has reached critical levels. At least 115 people have already died due to famine and malnutrition, with impacted doctors and aid workers collapsing on the job.
People are starving to death in Gaza while 6,000 trucks filled with food, medical supplies,...
The prosecution of e-bike riders for speeding is symptomatic of a wider problem of wealth inequality and a lack of worker’s rights.
If you’ve been anywhere near a city in the last decade, undoubtedly you’ll have seen them. In Newcastle they’re often locked up or propped up on their owner on Northumberland Road, just off of Northumberland Street.
Their riders tend to congregate within the vicinity of fast food restaurants,...
Have Uber overlooked the safety of customers and drivers in order to make more money from earnings they’re already cutting by half?
Chances are, if you work late, go out late, or, like me, have a tendency to be late, you’ve probably used Uber at some point or another.
Launched in San Francisco in 2009, Uber has become a regular fixture in many of our lives. It’s a quicker way to...
US President Trump has tightened immigration laws across the country, increasing ICE raids and giving agents free reign to arrest and detain anyone they deem ‘a threat’. Under his policies, immigrant communities face imminent risks of deportation, familial separation, and forced detention in inhumane facilities.
Since the start of Trump’s second term on January 20, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, have arrested over 66,000 undocumented immigrants...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
0 Comments
