Do Water Filters Remove Microplastics From Water?

Do you drink unfiltered tap water? Then chances are you could be consuming microplastics!

According to this report, the majority of water that drains from faucets across the globe — specifically 83% — contains these harmful impurities.

And that's not all.

Another Frontiers in Chemistry report revealed the same for 93% of bottled water. The samples gathered were from 9 countries.

These statistics indicate that plastic contamination is a global menace, especially since they have adverse consequences on human beings when consumed over time.

What are microplastics?

These are incredibly tiny plastics that measure less than 5mm in diameter. These fragments can take thousands of years to break down and are unsafe to humans and aquatic life.

What dangers do microplastics pose to human health?

Most microplastic research focuses on its effects on marine and aquatic animals. 

However, despite limited research, scientists have proven that long-term exposure to them can negatively affect humans.

For instance:

• Scientists believe that nanoplastics could infiltrate human cells, potentially wreaking havoc on cellular activity
• Plastic specks entering tissues can irritate the body and, for example, inflame the lungs
• In case you breathe specks that may be floating around in the air, they can deposit in the airways and cause respiratory problems.
• Larger specks can interfere with human hormones.

Do water filters eliminate microplastics from water?

So, can water filters remove microplastics from drinking water?

Surely YES!

However, not all of them will. Some of these impurities can only be seen with the aid of special equipment, so you must ensure you pick the specific water filter that removes microplastics. Ideal purification systems have cartridge mediums with tiny micron ratings to ensure they successfully trap all the specks.

Best filters for microplastic removal

Various house water filtration systems you can use to get rid of tiny plastics exist. They include: 

• Carbon Filters
  
  

These can trap impurities, including microplastics. Due to their tiny pore size, carbon blocks are a better choice for such purposes compared to GAC options. 

Despite its capabilities, we can't say that a carbon cartridge is the best water filter for microplastic removal. At least not if you compare it with the other purification methods mentioned below. 

• Microfiltration
  
  

These cartridges have a 0.1 to 10-micron pore size, meaning they can effectively filter microplastics from water, especially the larger specks.

• Ultrafiltration
  
  

Considering they have a micron rating of between 0.1 and 0.01, these cartridges trap even smaller plastics compared to microfilters.

• Nanofiltration
  
  

Are you wondering how to filter plastic out of the water more effectively? Nanofilters have got you covered. 

With a 0.001 micron rating, these membranes can do away with invisible plastics.

• Reverse Osmosis
  
  

Reverse osmosis removes microplastics better than any other water treatment mechanism, hands down!

These systems purify water in multiple stages as they contain numerous filtration cartridges. First, the sediment cartridge eliminates debris and large plastic particles to ensure cleaner water goes into the carbon cartridges. Then, the GAC or solid carbon sieves the smaller particles before the water flows into the membranes.

RO membranes have pore sizes of 0.0001 microns. That means it can trap plastics that we cannot see unless under a microscope.

RO systems are a worthwhile investment as they get rid of a host of other pollutants. For instance, they will eliminate unwanted gases and heavy metals that adversely affect our health. They will also get rid of bacteria that cause water-borne diseases.

Last but not least, RO systems facilitate pleasant hydration as they eliminate chlorine that might leave an abysmal bleach-like taste. Also, they eliminate the rotten-egg odor that is produced by hydrogen sulfide.

Wrapping up

If you ever asked, 'do water filters remove microplastics?' I am sure you now have satisfactory answers.

At FilterWay, we pride ourselves on providing you with the best water purifiers to do away with impurities. We have a wide range of systems and cartridges to suit your unique purification needs. 

Contact us today!