How to Protect Yourself from Microplastics in Water: Here’s What the Research Says

A Surprisingly Simple Way to Remove Microplastics from Drinking Water: Boiling and Filtering Explained

Microplastics have quietly infiltrated almost every aspect of our daily lives. Tiny fragments of plastic, often undetectable to the naked eye, are found in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and even the water we drink. While microplastics have long been recognized as an environmental issue, recent studies have shown that they are also a growing concern for human health. As we continue to grapple with the increasing presence of plastic in our surroundings, scientists have recently uncovered a surprisingly simple and accessible method for removing microplastics from drinking water.

In a breakthrough study conducted in 2024 by scientists from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University in China, researchers have discovered an effective, low-tech solution to reduce microplastics in drinking water. The process involves boiling water and then filtering it, a method that many people can implement using the equipment already available in their kitchens.

The Growing Concern of Microplastics in Drinking Water

Microplastics—tiny particles of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters—are now a ubiquitous presence in our water sources. These microscopic particles can come from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic waste, synthetic clothing fibers, and even microbeads found in personal care products. As they make their way into drinking water, these particles pose an increasing threat to human health.

Despite growing concern, water treatment systems around the world are still not fully equipped to remove microplastics. This has led to an increasing awareness of the risks posed by consuming these particles, which can enter the human body through drinking water, food, and even inhalation. While the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on human health are still not completely understood, early research suggests they could have negative impacts on our gut microbiome, antibiotic resistance, and overall health.

How Boiling and Filtering Water Removes Microplastics

In their study, the researchers tested a straightforward approach for removing microplastics from tap water. They focused on two types of water: soft water and hard tap water (which is rich in minerals like calcium). The scientists' approach involved adding synthetic microplastics to water samples, followed by boiling the water and then filtering out any precipitates.

The boiling process led to the formation of precipitates, which helped trap microplastic particles in a solid form. The researchers found that in some cases, as much as 90% of the microplastic particles were removed during this boiling and filtering process, with the effectiveness varying depending on the type of water being tested. For instance, hard water, which naturally contains higher concentrations of calcium carbonate, was particularly effective in removing microplastics.

Why Hard Water Is More Effective at Removing Microplastics

Hard water, which contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium, was found to be more effective at removing microplastics compared to soft water. When hard water is heated, it naturally forms limescale (calcium carbonate), which has a tendency to precipitate out of the solution as the temperature rises. This process effectively traps the microplastic particles in the limescale buildup.

Researchers noted that the higher the concentration of calcium carbonate in the water, the more effective the process was in removing microplastics. In their experiments, they observed a removal efficiency of up to 90% in water samples with a calcium concentration of 300 mg/L. In contrast, soft water, which contains lower levels of calcium, removed only around 25% of the microplastic particles, though it still provided significant reduction.

This simple yet effective process works because the calcium carbonate precipitate forms a crust on the plastic particles, effectively trapping them within it. Once the water has been boiled and cooled, the particles can then be filtered out using a fine mesh, such as a tea strainer, or even a coffee filter.

The Practical Benefits of Boiling Water to Remove Microplastics

One of the most significant advantages of this method is that it is easy to implement at home. All you need is a pot to boil the water and a fine mesh filter to strain out the precipitates. The simplicity and low cost of this process make it accessible to anyone, regardless of where they live or their access to advanced water filtration systems.

While the method is not perfect—soft water, for example, may require additional steps to maximize effectiveness—it offers a promising solution for reducing microplastic exposure through drinking water. As microplastics continue to make their way into our water sources, this boiling-and-filtering technique could serve as a practical measure to mitigate potential health risks, especially in households that lack advanced water filtration systems.

The Long-Term Implications for Public Health

This simple strategy may have broader implications for global health, particularly as the environmental and health impacts of microplastics become more evident. Although the full scope of microplastic-related health issues is still being studied, there is growing concern that these tiny particles may disrupt human biology in ways we have not yet fully understood. Early studies have linked microplastics to changes in the gut microbiome, hormone imbalances, and even increased antibiotic resistance.

The authors of the study suggest that boiling water could become a long-term, widespread practice to reduce global exposure to microplastics. While drinking boiled water is common in some parts of the world, the researchers hope that this practice will gain traction globally as a preventive measure against microplastic contamination.

Next Steps for Research

The study has opened the door for further investigations into how boiling water could become a standard practice for eliminating microplastics from drinking water. Researchers are particularly interested in exploring how different types of water, as well as variations in mineral content, affect the effectiveness of the boiling-and-filtering method.

Moreover, the study paves the way for more comprehensive research into microplastics’ impact on human health. The team hopes that by identifying simple, effective methods of removing microplastics from water, they can mitigate the potential risks posed by these pollutants.

Conclusion

Microplastics in drinking water are a growing concern, but scientists have discovered a surprisingly simple way to reduce their presence. Boiling tap water and filtering out the precipitates can remove a significant portion of microplastics, offering a practical and accessible solution for households worldwide. As we continue to explore the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure, this research provides a hopeful glimpse into how we can reduce our intake of these harmful particles through simple, everyday actions.

Learn more: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00081