Microplastics: What They Are and Where They Come From
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, typically defined as being smaller than five millimeters. They can originate from two main sources: primary microplastics, which are manufactured to be small (like microbeads), and secondary microplastics, which result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. The pervasive nature of plastic pollution means these particles are now found everywhere, from deep ocean trenches to the air we breathe.
In the context of bottled water, microplastics can be introduced at various points. They can come from the source water itself, as municipal treatment plants may not filter out all particles. The bottling process, involving machinery and filtration systems, can also be a source. However, a significant contributor is the bottle and its cap, which shed plastic fragments into the water during production, transportation, and consumer use. The tiny, often invisible, nature of these particles, especially nanoplastics, makes them particularly concerning.
How Smartwater Bottles Contribute to Microplastic Contamination
Smartwater bottles are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, and since 2021, they have been made from 100% recycled PET (rPET) plastic. While recycling is positive for the environment, the structural integrity of these single-use bottles and the act of using them can introduce plastic particles into the water. A study found that the friction from screwing and unscrewing the cap is a major source of contamination, releasing a significant number of microplastic particles. The reuse of these single-use bottles, especially by hikers or others for extended periods, exacerbates this shedding process. Exposure to heat and sunlight, which often occurs during transport and storage, can also accelerate the degradation of the plastic, increasing the amount of microplastics and potentially nanoplastics released.
Comparing Water Sources: Bottled vs. Tap
Recent scientific studies have drawn surprising comparisons between bottled water and tap water when it comes to microplastic contamination. While tap water is not entirely free of microplastics, it generally contains significantly lower levels than bottled water. The primary reason for higher contamination in bottled water is the plastic packaging itself. Below is a general comparison based on research:
| Feature | Bottled Water (Plastic) | Tap Water (Filtered) |
|---|---|---|
| Microplastic Count | Substantially higher (hundreds to thousands of particles per liter) | Substantially lower (generally in the single digits per liter) |
| Primary Contamination Source | Packaging (bottle and cap) | Public water distribution systems |
| Risk of Nanoplastics | High, especially with friction from the cap and bottle | Lower, though some nanoplastics can pass through treatment |
| Cost | High, recurring expense | Low, typically a municipal utility charge |
| Environmental Impact | Negative, contributes significantly to plastic pollution | Generally positive (when properly managed) |
Potential Health Implications of Microplastics
The full scope of health risks associated with chronic microplastic ingestion is an area of ongoing research, but many studies suggest potential dangers. The tiny particles have been found in human tissues, including the blood, lungs, and placenta. Some potential health effects identified in animal studies and preliminary human research include:
- Oxidative Stress: Microplastics can induce oxidative stress, which can damage cells and DNA.
- Inflammation: They can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, which can be linked to other health problems.
- Endocrine Disruption: Microplastics can carry or leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which interfere with hormone function.
- Neurological Effects: Some studies have raised concerns about the potential impact on neurological health, with microplastics and nanoplastics crossing the blood-brain barrier.
How to Minimize Your Exposure to Microplastics
Given the ubiquitous presence of microplastics, completely eliminating exposure is nearly impossible, but you can significantly reduce your intake. One of the most effective strategies is to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles, like Smartwater, and switch to reusable alternatives.
Actionable steps to take:
- Filter your tap water: High-quality filters, such as those using reverse osmosis, can remove a large percentage of microplastics.
- Choose alternative containers: Opt for reusable bottles made from stainless steel or glass to avoid plastic shedding.
- Reduce plastic use: Minimize consumption of all single-use plastics to decrease the overall environmental load of microplastics.
- Avoid heating food or liquids in plastic: This can accelerate the leaching of chemicals and particles from plastic containers.
- Support sustainable practices: Encourage businesses to adopt plastic-free packaging and support policies that reduce plastic waste.
Conclusion
While Smartwater’s distillation and vapor-distillation process are designed to purify the water itself, the packaging—the PET plastic bottle and cap—is a known source of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination. Research has demonstrated that bottled water, in general, contains significantly more microplastics than tap water due to this packaging. While the long-term health consequences are still being studied, evidence points to potential risks from chronic exposure. The most effective way for consumers to reduce their intake of microplastics from bottled water is to transition to filtered tap water and reusable bottles made from non-plastic materials. This not only benefits personal health but also contributes positively to the larger issue of global plastic pollution.
