Microplastics have been something of a hot button topic in recent years, having been found in pretty much every part of the food chain at this point. And of course, there are a number of health implications as studies are starting to show it could cause immune disruptions, metabolic issues and potential cancer risks.
These health hazards underscore the urgency to find ways to remove or at least reduce microplastics from food, water and the ecosystem at large. But, finding a simple and economical method to remove microplastics has until now seemed off the cards.
That said, it seems the solution may well be far more simple than was previously expected. And that solution is simply boiling water. Well it’s a little bit more complicated than that, but not a great deal.
The Study On Boiling Water and Microplastics
The study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters on February 28 demonstrated that boiling water for a mere 5 minutes could eliminate up to 90% of microplastics in hard water and up to 25% in soft water samples.
The research entailed infusing various doses of nano and microplastics into hard water with a calcium carbonate concentration of 300 mg per liter and soft water with less than 60 mg.
Boiling induced a calcium carbonate sediment that effectively trapped nanoplastics and microplastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Cleaning the vessel's interior or filtering the cooled water through a coffee filter removed any remaining microplastics.
The disparity in effectiveness between hard and soft water comes down to mineral content, with soft water offering fewer binding sites for microplastics during the process.
To explain the difference between hard water contains elevated levels of dissolved minerals, notably calcium and magnesium ions, acquired as the water passes through limestone and chalk deposits. This mineral-rich composition often leads to scale buildup in pipes and fixtures, affecting water taste and soap lathering. There are some potential benefits to higher magnesium and calcium water supply for humans, assuming the taste isn’t an issue.
In contrast, soft water boasts lower mineral content, achieved through processes like ion exchange or reverse osmosis, making it preferable for tasks like cleaning and laundry due to enhanced soap effectiveness and reduced scaling potential, although some may find its taste comparatively bland.
And of course, whether or not you have hard or soft water will depend on which state you’re in. So, how effective boiling water to get rid of microplastics is going to be will depend on where you live.
That said, do quote the study’s authors "This uncomplicated boiling-water approach can 'purify' nano- and microplastics from household tap water, potentially mitigating human exposure through water consumption."
In addition to boiling, employing water filtration systems can reduce microplastics in drinking water. It seems that membrane filtration systems with fine pore sizes, have been shown to be effective, but boiling them could be even easier.