Up to 90% Contamination of Microplastics Found in Drinking Water
Understand the sources, risks, and solutions to combat this pervasive issue threatening our water supply and ecosystem
Written by Rika Andini
Understand the sources, risks, and solutions to combat this pervasive issue threatening our water supply and ecosystem
Written by Rika Andini
Microplastics are a growing problem in our environment and have been found in the oceans, waterways, and even in the food we eat. But did you know that up to 90% of drinking water around the world is contaminated with microplastics too? This is alarming news that should concern us all, especially since we depend on clean drinking water for our survival.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5mm in size. They come from a variety of sources, including plastic bags, bottles, and packaging. They can also be the result of larger plastic items breaking down over time. Once in the environment, they can be ingested by marine life, which can then make their way up the food chain to humans.
Another source of microplastics in drinking water is the shedding of microfibers from synthetic clothing. Yes, you read that right. Your favorite cozy fleece jacket or those yoga pants you love so much could be releasing tiny plastic fibers every time you wash them. These fibers then make their way into our water systems and eventually end up in our glasses when we take a sip. It’s crazy to think that our clothes could be polluting our water in such a subtle way.
One of the primary ways microplastics end up in drinking water is through the contamination of water sources. For example, microplastics can be found in rivers, lakes, and oceans, which are all common sources of drinking water. In addition, microplastics can also be introduced to water during the treatment process. Wastewater treatment plants may not be able to remove all microplastic particles before the water is released back into the environment or used for drinking water.
Understanding these sources of microplastic contamination is the first step in addressing this issue. We need to become more conscious of our plastic consumption and make efforts to reduce it. Recycling is important, but we also need to focus on reducing our use of single-use plastics altogether. As we navigate through the subsequent sections of this blog, we will scrutinize the repercussions of microplastics, unveil approaches to mitigate their prevalence, and explore viable solutions to thwart this impending menace.
The prevalence of microplastics poses a grave challenge to aquatic ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. These minuscule plastic particles infiltrate water bodies, presenting a direct peril to marine life. Across various levels of the food chain, from zooplankton to large fish and marine mammals, microplastics are ingested, triggering a cascade of adverse effects. Reduced feeding efficiency, altered behavior, and impaired reproduction have been observed in aquatic organisms that inadvertently consume these particles.
As microplastics navigate the intricate web of aquatic life, the process of bioaccumulation compounds the problem. The journey starts at the bottom of the food chain with zooplankton, progressing through small and large fish, ultimately reaching marine mammals.
Shockingly, this chain culminates with human consumption, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. The implications of bioaccumulation are profound, potentially destabilizing entire ecosystems and endangering biodiversity. Ecosystem degradation and reduced biodiversity serve as harbingers of larger-scale environmental collapse.
The consequences of microplastics reverberate far beyond the immediate aquatic habitats. These particles can disrupt nutrient cycles, impacting the delicate balance that sustains ecosystems. Furthermore, the interaction between microplastics and surrounding water and sediment can lead to the absorption of pollutants, escalating their toxic potential. Microbes can proliferate on plastic surfaces, while pathogens find a medium for spread. This unsettling cycle means that the impact of microplastics transcends the aquatic realm, infiltrating our food and water supply.
Although the exact extent of the damage caused by microplastics remains elusive, the existing evidence is unequivocal. Even at low concentrations, microplastics wield the power to trigger significant ecological and environmental consequences. The intricate interconnectedness of aquatic ecosystems underscores the urgency of addressing this issue comprehensively.
As we navigate the complexities of the microplastics challenge, one thing remains clear: the preservation of aquatic ecosystems is a shared responsibility that demands immediate action.
Researchers have unveiled compelling connections between these minuscule particles and an array of illnesses that gravely imperil human health. In the following sections, we delve into the diseases ascribed to microplastics:
Respiratory Problems: Microplastics can enter human bodies through the air we breathe. They are present in the dust that we inhale and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaling microplastics can also lead to inflammation and swelling in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
Skin Irritation: Skin irritation is another potential disease caused by microplastics. These tiny particles can enter the pores of our skin and cause irritation and rashes. When we swim in water that is contaminated with microplastics, it can also cause skin infections and other skin-related problems.
Digestive Disorders: When microplastics enter our digestive system, they can cause a range of disorders. Research has shown that ingesting microplastics can cause changes in the gut microbiome, leading to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ingesting large quantities of microplastics can also cause blockages in the digestive system, leading to more severe problems such as perforation.
Endocrine Disruptors: When we ingest microplastics that leach chemicals, these particles can act as endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with hormonal function in our bodies. They can cause a range of health problems, including weight gain, metabolic disorders, and reproductive dysfunction.
Cancer: There is also evidence to suggest that microplastics may be carcinogenic. When microplastics enter our bodies, they can cause DNA damage, which increases the risk of developing cancer. This is a huge concern, especially as microplastics are present in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even in the air.
Amidst the global surge in population and industrialization, the issue of plastic pollution has escalated into a dire worldwide crisis. Our water bodies have become repositories for plastic waste, inducing pollution that poses not only a threat to marine life but also jeopardizes human health. In this section, we will delve into strategies to mitigate exposure to microplastics present in drinking water.
Selecting the Right Water Filtration System: In the realm of available options, numerous water filters have emerged to combat the infiltration of microplastics into drinking water. Among these, activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and ceramic filters have demonstrated efficacy in eliminating microplastics. Delve into research to identify the filtration method that aligns with your specific needs. However, bear in mind that not all filters can eliminate microplastics or other contaminants with absolute certainty.
Steer Clear of Plastic Water Bottles: Predominantly crafted from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, most commercial water bottles possess the potential to disintegrate into microplastics under the influence of sunlight and heat. As a proactive measure, opting for stainless steel or glass water bottles can prove wise. This shift not only diminishes the likelihood of microplastic exposure but also contributes to the reduction of plastic waste.
Diminish Plastic Utilization: Incorporating practices that minimize daily plastic consumption, such as carrying reusable bags, straws, and utensils, yields a profound impact on curbing plastic waste accumulation in our surroundings. Such conscientious actions manifest significant strides in the battle against microplastic pollution, ultimately mitigating the risks of exposure.
Mindful Choices in Personal Care Products: Personal care commodities like toothpaste, body wash, and facial scrubs frequently incorporate microplastics as exfoliating agents. To circumvent microplastic exposure, scrutinize the labels of personal care items and opt for those devoid of microplastics. Products incorporating natural exfoliants like oatmeal and sea salt provide a safer alternative.
Championing Eco-Friendly Endeavors: Supporting eco-conscious initiatives, including recycling programs and beach clean-ups, actively contributes to diminishing the influx of plastic waste into our environment and water bodies. By participating in local initiatives and advocating for transformation on both community and governmental levels, you play a pivotal role in preserving the sanctity of our natural surroundings.
Microplastics’ intrusion into our water systems has sparked concern, prompting regulatory bodies worldwide to take action in safeguarding public health from these potentially harmful particles.
In the United States, oversight falls under the purview of agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Presently, a standardized microplastics threshold for drinking water is lacking. Nonetheless, the EPA’s monitoring list includes substances like polystyrene and Styrofoam plastic. Conversely, the FDA is concentrating on scrutinizing bottled water for microplastics to ensure consumer well-being.2[1]
Turning to the European Union, the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) enforces water quality and safety standards among member states, yet it doesn’t offer specific benchmarks for microplastics in drinking water. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set a provisional tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.05 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. Notably, countries such as Germany and France have gone further by establishing even lower microplastic limits in their national regulations.3[2]
Across Asia, China has emerged with heightened awareness regarding microplastics in tap water. Dr. Junqi Nie from Tsinghua University presented a keynote on microplastics pollution in China, marking the inception of efforts to monitor and regulate these plastic particles. In Japan and South Korea, distinct strategies have materialized. Japan provides measurement guidelines for microplastics assessment, while South Korea is slated to enforce standards by 2022.4[3]
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