Unveiling the Invisible: New Study Exposes Shocking Levels of Nanoplastics in Bottled Water
A recent study conducted by researchers from the Columbia Climate School has uncovered that bottled water may harbor hundreds of thousands of previously unaccounted-for minuscule plastic particles. Utilizing laser technology, scientists imaged these previously invisible nanoplastics, offspring of microplastics that have undergone further breakdown. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that an average liter of bottled water contains approximately 240,000 detectable plastic fragments, surpassing previous estimates by 10 to 100 times.
In recent years, there has been escalating concern about the ubiquity of microplastics, tiny particles formed as plastics progressively break down, found in various ecosystems, including polar ice, soil, drinking water, and food. These particles, consumed by humans and other creatures, pose unknown potential health and ecosystem effects. The study sheds light on the poorly understood realm of nanoplastics, which are even smaller than microplastics.
Nanoplastics, being minute, have the ability to pass through intestines and lungs directly into the bloodstream, reaching vital organs such as the heart and brain. They can penetrate individual cells and cross the placenta, impacting unborn babies. This discovery has prompted medical scientists to urgently investigate potential effects on a wide range of biological systems.
The researchers employed newly-refined technology, specifically stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, to count and identify these minute particles in bottled water. The study, led by Naixin Qian, a Columbia graduate student in chemistry, identified an average of 240,000 detectable plastic fragments per liter, a significant increase compared to previous estimates primarily based on larger sizes.
The commonly used plastics found in the bottled water include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide, originating from bottle materials and water purification processes. The researchers used a data-driven algorithm to interpret the results of their testing on three popular U.S. bottled water brands, which revealed 90% of the particles were nanoplastics, with the rest being microplastics.
While the study focused on bottled water, the researchers emphasize the need to extend their investigations beyond, exploring other sources of nanoplastics such as tap water and wastewater from laundry. The team is also involved in collaborative efforts to measure nanoplastics in various human tissues and assess their developmental and neurologic effects.
The study, coauthored by researchers from the Columbia chemistry department, Lamont-Doherty, Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, and Rutgers University, highlights the pervasive nature of nanoplastics and underscores the importance of comprehensive research to understand their potential impact on biological systems.