A high-resolution methodology enables the quantification of micro and nanoplastics in bottled water

There is a growing concern about the impact of micro and nanoplastics on human health. The complexity of the materials, their small size, and limitations in methodology restrict their analysis and, consequently, regulation. A new study led by the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) in collaboration with the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal) has developed a high-resolution methodology that allows the quantification of micro and nanoplastics in plastic bottled water. Extremely small plastic particles, ranging from 0.7 to 20 micrometers (µm), as well as the chemical additives released into the water, have been quantified. The results show an average concentration of 359 nanograms of micro and nanoplastics per liter of water, a quantity comparable to that found in tap water in a previous study conducted by the same group.

“Most studies quantify micro and nanoplastics as the number of particles in a specific volume,” says Marinella Farré, a researcher at IDAEA-CSIC and author of the study. The methodology used in this study allows for quantification based on mass units. “This implies a significant advancement, as we can quantify particles of different shapes and extremely small sizes, which is not possible with other techniques“, she explains.

 

Annual intake of micro and nanoplastics

The research team analysed 280 water samples from 20 different bottled water brands, considering both 1.5L and 0.5L bottles. Assuming an adult drinks 2 liters of water per day, the authors estimate an intake of 262 micrograms of plastic particles per year.

“The European Food Safety Agency does not set any limit on the safe maximum intake of micro and nanoplastics. However, our methodology is crucial for future directives to establish this limit, considering the polymer mass and not the number of particles“, reports Marta Llorca, IDAEA-CSIC researcher and author of the study.

 

Bottled water vs. tap water

Comparing the results of this study with a previous one by the same group that analysed tap water in Barcelona, the concentrations of micro and nanoplastics are similar.

“The main difference we found is the type of polymer: in tap water, we found more polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), while in bottled water, we have detected mainly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), although also polyethylene,’ indicates Cristina Villanueva, ISGlobal researcher and author of the study.

However, it is important not to overlook the enormous environmental impact caused by bottled water, especially due to the immense production of plastic waste.

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Albert Vega-Herrera, Maria Garcia-Torné, Xavier Borrell-Diaz, Esteban Abad, Marta Llorca, Cristina M. Villanueva, Marinella Farré. (2023) Exposure to micro(nano)plastics polymers in water stored in single-use plastic bottles. Chemosphere: doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140106

Albert Vega-Herrera, Marta Llorca, Xavier Borrell-Diaz, Paula E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, Esteban Abad, Cristina M. Villanueva, Marinella Farré. (2022) Polymers of micro(nano) plastic in household tap water of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Water Research: doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118645