Bottled Water Exposed: Study finds over 100,000 nanoparticles per litre | Pro Hub of News

A recent study has exposed a startlingly high concentration of nanoplastics in bottled water, surpassing 100,000 particles per liter, according to researchers from Columbia University. The groundbreaking investigation, disclosed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized innovative microscopy techniques and a data-driven algorithm to scrutinize samples from 25 1-liter bottles from popular brands in the United States.

Contrary to previous estimates, the study revealed an alarming density of nanoplastic particles, which are microscopic plastic particles smaller than 1 micrometer. These tiny particles, due to their size, pose a significant health risk as they can penetrate cells, enter the bloodstream, and potentially harm organs. Lead author Ms. Naixin Qian emphasized the gravity of this discovery, highlighting the potential health risks associated with consuming bottled water contaminated with these particles.

The analysis identified common plastic types such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide, but also uncovered numerous unidentified nanoparticles in the water. This suggests a potentially higher prevalence of plastic contamination in bottled water than previously acknowledged.

Given the global production of plastics exceeding 450 million tonnes annually and the persistent issue of plastic pollution breaking down into smaller, potentially harmful particles over time, this revelation carries significant implications. It underscores the need for further research and heightened awareness regarding the potential health impacts of nanoplastics in everyday consumables.