What are microplastics? 

The category of microplastics has no scientific-agreed definition due to the wide range of materials it encompasses, composed of varying substrates, chemical compositions, shapes, sizes and densities. This broad term means that it can cover quite a range of potential contaminates but commonly anything less than 5mm (millimeter) in length is considered a microplastic and any less than 1μm (micrometer) is often referred to as nanoplastic.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that can be found in any environment, as a direct result of the disposal of plastics which are formed from carbon and hydrogen atoms bound together on polymer chains. These plastics can also contain various chemicals that leach into the surrounding environment.

Plastics are present in a large variety of products including clothing, bags, tableware and various product packing. It is important to note that the microplastics that are being referred to, are not biodegradable and once into the environment they produce an additive effect and accumulate.


How do microplastics get in our drinking water? 

Most microplastics enter water supplies from rubbish discarded in oceans, sewer overflows, wastewater (treated and untreated), surface run-off and even from the plastics used to contain bottled water.

Whilst water suppliers and regulators effectively remove larger microplastics, the smaller particles are not usually removed, nor is it routinely monitored at this time.

Microplastics are also not limited to mains water supply cycles, contamination through discarded plastics also occurs commonly in freshwater supplies as microplastics are also airborne and often collect in water during rainfall.


What are the effects of microplastics in water? 

Microplastics have been found in more than 114 species of aquatic creatures, these plastics have been discovered lodged in their digestive tracts and tissue, including crustaceans such as crabs. Fish and birds are more likely to consume and ingest microplastics floating on the water surface, often mistaking larger particles for food. The effects on wildlife from consuming these microplastics include their inability to produce energy in order to function normally and can cause neurological and reproductive toxicity.

Wildlife creatures are not the only ones ingesting these microplastics, they have also been detected in drinking water and various everyday beverages such as beer, as well as some food products.

The direct effects of consuming these microplastics on humans are yet to be fully discovered, as studies of plastic pollution take longer to identify long-term in humans and are still relatively new to our environment. Research so far is that it can have similar effects on wildlife with exposure affecting development in children, reproductive issues as well as subsequent effects on hormone levels. It has also been suggested that it could be linked with inflammatory bowel disease, with sufferers showing 50% more microplastics being expelled.

The potential issues associated with microplastics are found in three forms; physical particles, chemicals and microbial pathogens that are part of the biofilms. The particle impact varies, depending on the individual properties of the microplastic in question, its size and other variable factors. Generally, plastic polymers are considered low toxicity but plastics and microplastics can contain additives and unbound monomers.

Water-resistant chemicals in the environment, including persisting organic pollutants, can easily attach themselves to the plastic particles. Biofilms naturally occurring and found on water surfaces, are also able to attach themselves to these plastic particles. Whilst most of these microorganisms are non-pathogenic, there are other common biofilms that can include such pathogens as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella and Naegleria fowleri.

Click here for more information on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Click here for more information on Legionella
Click here for more information on Naegleria fowleri

With biofilms being able to easily attach themselves to microplastics, it is important to ensure they are properly treated, the pathogens are inactivated and their growth is controlled.


Treating water containing microplastics

Filtering out microplastics in drinking water is important for two main reasons, the first being to stop microplastics from entering your body and the second as a portion of these microplastics are also expelled from the body. It is important to stop the microplastics from entering our sewer systems to ensure it does not enter our oceans later down the water cycle.

Filtering out microplastic particles is relatively easy with the number of Puretec filters available independently tested and verified by a third-party laboratory to the NSF/ANSI 401 Standard for Microplastic Reduction in Drinking Water.

These products include any of the Puretec systems with the Z1-R, Z6-R, Z8-R & CO-UZ150 filter cartridges.

Systems with Z1-R cartridges
PureMix Z6 system & Z6-R cartridge
Z8-R cartridge
CO-UZ150 cartridge

With concerns about pathogens in surface/rainwater supplies, we recommend speaking with one of our water treatment specialists, as independent testing and analysis is recommended for creating a solution to meet individual requirements.

Download the WATERNEWS pdf here

 

At Puretec, we provide Australian and New Zealand businesses with the highest quality water filters in the nation, so your valued clients & customers can enjoy clean drinking water. Contact us today for more information on how a Puretec water filter can improve your water quality.