Current water, apparently clear, sometimes hides intruders that our eyes cannot perceive. Invisible to the naked eye, plastic particles from our everyday objects are invited in each sip that we drink. Recently, researchers have been more closely interested in the presence of these tap water microplastics, revealing the extent of silent contamination. Behind this observation, a simple and accessible solution could well emerge.
This alarming observation extends far beyond Chinese borders. Other research has shown that these plastic particles can also come from domestic, mainly plastic pipes, contributing to their presence in the water of homes. However, their microscopic size makes them difficult to filter, and their chemical nature allows them to absorb other pollutants, thus increasing their danger.
Boiling and filtration: an effective duo against tap water microplastics
A simple ancestral reflex, like boiling water before drinking it, could however bring a partial but effective solution. In 2024, Chinese researchers from the universities of Guangzhou and Jinan demonstrated that this practice made it possible to capture up to 90% of the microplastics contained in tap water. The process is based on a chemical phenomenon. When boiling water, calcium carbonate naturally present and form limestone. This deposit surrounds plastic particles, trapping them in a solid crust, as reported by Science Alert.
This method was tested on different levels of water hardness. The results are final. The more the water is rich in minerals, the more effective the trapping. At 300 mg/l of calcium carbonate, nanoplastic capture rates reach 90%, against around 25% in fresh water. These encapsulated residues can then be removed using a simple mechanical filter such as a tea coland, the authors said in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
Unlike many decontamination strategies, it does not require any expensive equipment. It is accessible to everyone and could integrate into daily gestures in regions where boiled water consumption is already widespread. On the other hand, its effectiveness strongly depends on the composition of the initial water and compliance with certain conditions such as boiling time and cooling before filtration.
What science tells us about their impact on our organization
If scientists now document the presence of microplastics in our environment, they have not yet fully elucidated their effects on human health. Studies carried out on animal models, however, highlighted disturbing consequences. In the laboratory, researchers have observed that the regular ingestion of polystyrene to the state of nanoparticles profoundly modified the composition of the intestinal microbiota of the mice, disturbing both the populations of bacteria and fungi. The smaller the particles, the more these alterations were marked, according to the results published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
In parallel, the researchers noted an increase in the expression of genes linked to antibiotic resistance. This phenomenon, favored by microplastics, could compromise the effectiveness of certain medical treatments and promote the emergence of more robust pathogenic strains. The imbalance of intestinal metabolic functions in turn affected the immune system and reduced the absorption capacities of nutrients.
Faced with these alert signals, simple practices such as boiled water consumption could constitute a first barrier to limit exposure to these omnipresent pollutants. Far from solving the problem at the source, they nevertheless offer an accessible and immediate danger lever, which science could soon recommend on a larger scale.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
