What are Nanoplastics?
Nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than a micron. They come from microplastics breaking down even more. These tiny plastic particles are found in many places on Earth, like Arctic ice, soil, drinking water, and food.
Nanoplastics are incredibly small, much smaller than even the width of a human hair. Recently, a new study regarding nanoplastics in plastic bottled water was published.
What did the study find?
A recent study discovered that in one litre of bottled water, there are about 2,40,000 tiny plastic particles. Of these particles, 90% are nanoplastics, and the remaining 10% are microplastics.
This study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study was conducted at Columbia University.
How was the study conducted?
The researchers used a new laser-based imaging tool with an automated plastic detection algorithm. This advanced technology allows for studying micro-nanoplastics at the individual particle level.
They checked three well-known bottled water brands in the U.S., looking at small plastic bits. Each litre had many plastic particles, most of them being nanoplastics. Also, much of this plastic seems to come from the bottle itself.
How harmful are Nanoplastics?
Experts warn that nanoplastics are the most harmful form of plastic pollution for our health. These tiny particles can enter cells and tissues in important organs. They are so small that they can pass through the digestive system or lungs into the bloodstream.
This can lead to the spread of harmful chemicals in the body and cells. Besides the chemicals and dangerous materials that plastics may contain, it is still unclear if the plastic polymer harms the body. Scientists are currently studying this.
The new study also supports the advice to drink water from stainless steel or glass containers to reduce plastic exposure. It's also a good idea to use reusable steel or glass bottles when going out instead of using plastic bottles.
