Global Study Reveals Microplastics Infesting 93% of Bottled Water

Microplastics have been discovered in 93% of bottled water tested in a global study conducted by researchers from the State University of New York (SUNY) on behalf of Orb Media, a US-based non-profit journalism organization. The investigation examined 259 bottles of water from 11 different brands purchased in nine countries, revealing the pervasive presence of microplastics, including polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The study found an average of 10.4 particles of plastic per liter of water, which is double the level of microplastics found in tap water in a previous study by Orb Media in 2017. Additionally, smaller particles were detected, with an average of 314 particles per liter, although they couldn't be definitively identified as plastics. The number of particles varied among bottles, ranging from one to thousands.

There is no defined upper limit for ingestion of microplastics that is safe, and the effects of microplastics on human health are yet unknown. There are currently no laws or rules in Canada, the US, or Europe governing the permissible levels of microplastics in bottled water. Some companies, like Nestle and Gerolsteiner, stated that their own testing had found microplastics in their water, though at much lower concentrations than Orb Media had claimed.

Microplastics are the result of the breakdown of plastic waste and can also be intentionally manufactured, as in the case of microbeads used in skincare products. The tiny particles pose a threat to the environment, accumulating in oceans and landfills and harming marine life. While some experts suggest that most microplastics will be excreted by the body, concerns have been raised that smaller particles could potentially pass into the bloodstream and organs.

It's unknown if the microplastics in bottled water come from the water supply, the air, or the bottling and manufacturing process. Particles of plastic may come out with even the simplest bottle cap opening. Bottles from various brands from various countries were included in the study, including those bought in the US, Kenya, China, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mexico, and Thailand.

To conduct the research, scientists at SUNY used Nile Red fluorescent tagging, a method that allows for the rapid identification of microplastics by binding to plastic particles. While the larger particles were identifiable, smaller particles were more challenging to analyze, leading to the possibility that the Nile Red dye may be adhering to substances other than plastic. However, experts who reviewed the study were convinced that some level of microplastics was present in the water and called for further research.

The findings of this investigation emphasize the urgent need for reevaluating society's reliance on single-use plastics and promoting alternative solutions. Consumers are encouraged to opt for refillable bottles and reduce their consumption of plastic-packaged products. With plastic pollution reaching critical levels, it is crucial to address this global issue and explore measures to mitigate its impact on both the environment and human health.

Here's the video from CBC News at https://www.uistv.com/2023/05/bottled-waters-perceived-purity.html

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Sources & References:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bottled-water-microplastics-1.4575045

David Common, Eric Szeto · CBC News · Posted: Mar 14, 2018 6:00 PM EDT | Last Updated: April 7, 2018