New Study Reveals Most Microplastics in Drinking Water Are Smaller Than EU Detection Limits

New Study Reveals Most Microplastics in Drinking Water Are Smaller Than EU Detection Limits

Prime Highlights:

A new study found that most microplastics in drinking water are smaller than 20 microns, which is below the European Union’s current detection limit.

The study analyzed 10 bottled water brands and one tap water source in Toulouse, France, revealing that 98% of the microplastics were smaller than 20 microns.

Researchers call for an update to the EU’s detection limits, which currently only include particles ranging from 20 microns to 5 millimeters

Key Background:

A recent study conducted by scientists in Toulouse, France, has revealed that a majority of microplastics found in drinking water are smaller than the detection limits established by the European Union (EU). These fine microplastics, which measure less than 20 microns, could pose significant health risks as they are more likely to pass through the human intestine into the bloodstream and organs.

The study examined 10 different bottled water brands and a tap water source in Toulouse using an advanced detection method capable of identifying microplastics smaller than 20 microns. Historically, many studies have overlooked particles in this size range due to the limitations of current detection methods. The EU’s methodology, which was updated in March 2024, specifies that only microplastics ranging in size from 20 microns to 5 millimeters should be measured in drinking water.

Oskar Hagelskjaer, CEO and founder of Microplastic Solution and the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of revising the detection limits. According to Hagelskjaer, the study demonstrated that the smaller microplastics, which are considered the most hazardous to human health, could be detected and analyzed. “It makes little sense to set the detection limit at 20 microns,” he said, underscoring the need for more comprehensive monitoring. The study found that an overwhelming 98% of the microplastics in the water samples were smaller than 20 microns, with 94% measuring less than 10 microns. This highlights the prevalence of fine particles in drinking water, which could be more easily absorbed by the human body. The researchers used more sensitive instrumentation and stringent quality control measures to avoid contamination during the detection process.

The analysis revealed a wide range of microplastics in both bottled and tap water, with concentrations ranging from 19 to 1,154 particles per liter. The tap water in Toulouse contained 413 microplastic particles per liter, which was higher than the levels found in eight of the 10 bottled water brands. While the study cautioned against drawing conclusions based on a single tap water sample, it noted that bottled and treated surface water contained similar levels of microplastics, while groundwater-sourced water was less contaminated. This study underscores

the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and its potential health impacts. As microplastics are found in nearly every part of the environment, including in the human body, experts warn that further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of microplastic exposure.

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