Microplastics represent a growing concern for human health, but a recent study suggests that boiling water could be a simple and effective method to reduce their concentration in tap water.
A team of researchers from China conducted tests with waters of different hardness, adding nanoplastics and microplastics to evaluate the effectiveness of boiling.
The results, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, revealed that boiling water for five minutes reduced the concentration of nanoplastics by 25% in soft water and up to 90% in hard water, due to the higher amount of minerals present in the latter.
How does boiling reduce microplastics?
Calcium carbonate, a mineral abundant in hard water, seems to be key in this process. During boiling, this compound traps the microplastics in a crust that forms as the temperature increases.
To optimize this method, researchers recommend using kettles made of non-plastic materials and stainless steel filters. These can help retain the generated residues.
According to Zimin Yu, a biomedical engineer at Guangzhou Medical University and one of the study’s authors, boiling water is an accessible strategy to decontaminate tap water at home and safely reduce the intake of microplastics. This approach, already traditional in countries like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, could become a viable long-term measure.
Microplastics and their relationship with health issues
Microplastics are increasingly associated with potential health risks. Recent studies have pointed out their presence in arteries, linking them to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Another study found higher concentrations of microplastics in the brains of people with dementia. Although these studies are observational in nature, they emphasize the need to continue researching the effects of these contaminants.
Despite the promising findings on boiling water, the study’s authors warn that its effectiveness could vary by region. This is due to differences in water quality. They also highlight the need to expand research to determine if this method can remove other artificial materials present in drinking water.
Foundation for new research
The Chinese team believes that the results obtained confirm a practical strategy to reduce exposure to nano and microplastics, laying the groundwork for future studies with a larger number of samples.
This advancement could be an important step in the search for solutions to mitigate the risks associated with microplastics and protect human health effectively and sustainably.
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