Boiling ordinary tap water not only helps to eliminate bacteria and other pathogens. Now, a group of Chinese scientists have found that boiling it for about five minutes can reduce the nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) it contains by more than 80%, as described in a paper published on Wednesday (2/28). 2024) in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
These tiny particles identified in tap water are usually composed of polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene in varying amounts that scientists say range between 0.0001 and 5 millimeters.
A simple experiment
The researchers’ work was quite simple: they took samples of tap water (from Guangzhou, China) and measured its NMP levels. They then boiled the samples for 5 minutes, allowed them to cool, and found that the levels of these tiny plastics were reduced by more than 80%.
“We estimated that NMP intake through consumption of boiled water was two to five times lower than daily tap water,” said lead author Eddy Zeng of China’s Jinan University.
How are NMPs reduced in water?
The researchers, who detected an average concentration of 1 milligram per liter in unboiled tap water, explained that the NMPs in the water were reduced after they became “trapped” in the lime crystalline structures formed by the calcium in the water. The more calcium the water had, the more the level of small plastics decreased.
To remove as many floating particles as possible, Zeng recommends removing them with a simple filter, such as a coffee filter.
Harmful effects of NMP
It has been proven how harmful NMPs are to the environment because they do not break down easily and remain in nature for many years. Organisms and animals absorb or ingest these plastics in large quantities, causing poisoning and death.
Although the harmful effects of NMPs are believed to be familiar to humans, science is still studying how harmful they are to health. Some studies suggest that NMPs could affect the gut microbiome.
Recent work could help provide a simple way to reduce NMP consumption: “This simple but effective strategy of boiling ordinary tap water can ‘decontaminate’ it from NMPs and has the potential to harmlessly reduce human exposure through water consumption,” the experts conclude.
