We have developed a disposable culture in today’s age, and the numbers are staggering when it comes to microplastics found in our aquatic systems. Americans alone go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, while globally, we use 10 billion plastic bags every week (University of Tennessee). Microplastics have spread worldwide, contaminating food, water, and even the air.
Luckily, there are water treatment solutions available to eliminate this microplastic threat from your drinking water in Arizona. This blog explores what microplastics are, how they infiltrate water, their effect on humans, and how our reverse osmosis systems at Aqua Science can remove them from your tap water.
Defining Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, measuring less than 5 millimeters but larger than 100 nanometers (0.0001 millimeters). They form because of plastics breaking down naturally over time or being intentionally added to certain products such as synthetic clothing, skincare products, tires, toothpaste, and paint. Some foods and beverages can also contain these small plastic particles.
Plastics are the most common type of pollution found in water bodies and they do not decompose easily. Instead, they gradually break into smaller pieces, which is particularly concerning because microplastics can persist in the environment and even inside living organisms.
How Do Microplastics Enter Water?
Microplastics can enter drinking water through various means, including:
- Run-off from surfaces
- Breakdown of plastic waste
- Use of plastic for water storage
- Discharged wastewater
- Settling from the atmosphere
The Effect of Microplastics on Humans
Numerous studies have highlighted the harmful effects of microplastics on human health, including cell damage, inflammation, and immune responses. These tiny plastic particles have been linked to reproductive problems and elevated cancer risk. A study by a Penn State researcher revealed that, on average, a liter of bottled water contains 325 plastic particles, while tap water contains 5.5 particles, underscoring the prominence of microplastics in our drinking water and their potential health consequences.
It’s worth noting that the full extent of microplastics’ impact on human health remains a relatively new and ongoing area of research. Nonetheless, taking steps like filtering microplastics from your tap water in Arizona can help reduce exposure and potentially improve your well-being.
Removing Microplastics from Drinking Water with Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems excel at eliminating microplastics and various contaminants from water. Typically consisting of three stages, with some having more, here’s how a three-stage RO system generally operates:
- The water initially passes through a sediment filter, which rids it of larger impurities like dirt and sand, safeguarding the RO membrane.
- It then flows through an activated carbon filter to eliminate taste and odor-affecting substances like chlorine.
- The final step forces the water through a high-pressure, semi-permeable RO membrane, effectively removing most contaminants, including microplastics, thanks to its minuscule pores (0.001 microns).
Our PUREMax reverse osmosis systems can effectively remove microplastics from drinking water with their micron rating.
Get Clean Drinking Water with Aqua Science Reverse Osmosis Systems
We provide revolutionary water treatment solutions at Aqua Science. Inquire today about our reverse osmosis systems and our team will guide you toward an effective solution for your drinking water.
Contact us to get a free quote!
