Bottled Water Contains Up to 100 Times More Plastic Particles Than Previously Estimated

Nanoplastics, smaller than a micron, pose a greater threat due to their ability to easily enter the human body.

New research reveals bottled water contains up to 100 times more plastic particles than previously estimated, with an average of over a quarter of a million plastic particles per liter, 90% of which are nanoplastics.
Nanoplastics, smaller than a micron in size, are believed to be more toxic than larger microplastics as they can more easily enter the human body.
Microplastics have been found in every corner of the planet, infiltrating the guts of seabirds, agricultural crops, human blood, and drinking water.
Scientists are working on solutions to limit the influx of microplastics into the environment, including a device that absorbs microplastics from tire friction and a magnetic powder that can remove microplastics from water.
The UN is working to have a global treaty on plastic pollution in place by 2024, with measures such as restricting hazardous chemicals and difficult-to-recycle plastics on the table.