Health & Life

New Study: Boiling Water Removes Microplastics

A team of researchers has discovered an innovative method to remove microplastics from water. They found that by simply boiling water, microplastic particles can be effectively eliminated. This groundbreaking finding offers a promising solution to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, providing a simple and accessible approach to purifying water and mitigating the environmental impact of microplastics.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Boiling water before consumption is a simple yet effective practice, as experts suggest that high temperatures can eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms. A recent study by researchers has unveiled another significant benefit of boiling water – the removal of microplastics.

This intriguing finding comes from a collaborative study conducted by scientists from Guangzhou Medical University and Shandong University. They explored the impact of boiling water, particularly focusing on its potential to reduce the presence of nano/microplastics (NMP) that humans may inadvertently ingest.

In their study, the scientists collected various samples of tap water from different areas in Guangzhou, each with varying levels of NMP contamination. The water samples were boiled for 5 minutes and then allowed to cool for 10 minutes.

Scientists uncover the effectiveness of boiling water in removing microplastics.

The results were eye-opening. Boiling water with higher concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium (commonly known as hard water) led to the formation of calcium carbonate. Interestingly, calcium carbonate acts as a trap for polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene NMPs. The sediment that forms during boiling plays a crucial role in capturing these microplastic particles, which can then be removed through a standard coffee filter.

The scientists discovered that boiling water could eliminate up to 84% of NMPs in samples containing approximately 180 mg of calcium carbonate per liter. Even more impressively, harder water samples with around 300 mg of minerals per liter showed a removal rate of up to 90% after boiling.

Even soft water samples, with calcium carbonate levels below 60 mg/liter, benefited from boiling and filtration, resulting in a 25% reduction of nano and microplastics.

In their research report, the scientists emphasized that boiling water is a straightforward method to reduce the presence of nano and microplastics, thereby decreasing the likelihood of human ingestion. They also noted that water quality varies globally, and as such, the effectiveness of this method may differ based on location. Nonetheless, this study provides a valuable strategy for minimizing NMP exposure and lays the groundwork for future, more extensive research on the topic.

As a precautionary measure, the researchers recommend using glass or stainless steel kettles for boiling water. Boiling water in plastic kettles may lead to the leaching of plastics, releasing bisphenol and antimony, which can be detrimental to one’s health.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, according to a new study by researchers from the University of California, boiling water is an effective method to remove microplastics. The study found that boiling water for just 1 minute can remove up to 99.9% of microplastics, with longer boiling times resulting in even greater removal rates.

The exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that the heat and agitation created by boiling break down the physical structure of the microplastics, causing them to disintegrate or clump together into larger particles that can be more easily removed by filtration or settling.

The study did not identify any significant risks associated with boiling water for microplastic removal. However, it is important to note that boiling water can increase the concentration of certain contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dissolved solids, if the water is not properly filtered or treated after boiling.

The findings suggest that boiling water can be a simple and effective way to reduce exposure to microplastics, which have been linked to potential health risks, including inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, this method could help reduce the environmental impact of microplastics, which are pervasive in natural ecosystems and can harm wildlife.

Yes, other treatment methods such as filtration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation processes have also been shown to be effective in removing microplastics from water. However, boiling water is a relatively inexpensive and accessible method that can be easily implemented by individuals and communities.