Boiling Tap Water as a Solution to Microplastics

Researchers from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University in China have recommended boiling tap water as a preliminary approach to address the issue of nano- and microplastic particles. In a research article published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the team evaluated the effectiveness of boiling on microscopic plastic particles in tap water, finding that these particles become trapped within limescale deposits on the inner surfaces of kettles.

Numerous studies have provided compelling evidence on the presence of microplastics in tap water samples. While the potential health consequences of ingesting these microplastics are not completely understood, some early studies suggest that these tiny particles could accumulate in the body and impact the gut microbiome.

The removal of microplastics and nanoplastics using conventional water treatment methods has proven to be challenging. Despite the availability of advanced water treatment technologies that could potentially address the issue, the cost implications make this solution impractical for less developed regions.

The researchers conducted experiments using fluorescent particles of polystyrene plastic to observe how they behaved when subjected to various water heating techniques. Their findings revealed that boiling caused these particles to combine with minerals present in water and precipitate out, becoming entrapped in the limescale deposits formed.

Furthermore, the researchers found that boiling was capable of removing approximately 84% to 90% of added nanoplastics and microplastics from hard water samples, depending on the concentration of calcium carbonate in the water. Even on soft water, boiling was able to eliminate up to 25% of the microplastic content.

The researchers acknowledged potential variability in the efficacy of boiling water in reducing microplastic content based on the regional occurrence of these particles and the quality of water. Nevertheless, they emphasized the practicality of boiling water as a method to mitigate human exposure to nanoplastics and microplastics, indicating that this study establishes a base for future comprehensive investigations using a larger number of water samples.

The study was published in Environ Sci Technol Lett and is available for reference. This blog post was adapted from a press release given by the American Chemical Society and has been adjusted for comprehension and length.