Researchers discovered thousands of nano-sized bits of plastic in bottled water

It seems anywhere scientists look for plastic, they find it: from the ice in Antarctica, to the first bowel movement produced by newborn babies.

Now, researchers are finding that the amount of microscopic plastics floating in bottled drinking water is far greater than initially believed.

Using sophisticated imaging technology, scientists at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty laboratory examined water samples from three popular brands (they won’t say which ones) and found hundreds of thousands of bits of plastic per liter of water.

Ninety percent of those plastics were small enough to qualify as nanoplastics: microscopic flecks so small that they can be absorbed into human cells and tissue, as well as cross the blood-brain barrier.

The research, which was published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, raises new concerns about the potentially harmful health effects — and prevalence — of nanoplastics. The researchers found that the quantity of such particles was 10 to 100 times greater than previously estimated.

  • otp@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    6 months ago

    I don’t know if it was in my mind or not, but the last bit of water in a water bottle always tasted funny to me, so I’d pour out the last sip or so. In my mind, it was all the microplastics that were too heavy to float up higher, lol

    I avoid plastic water bottles when I have the option now anyway.

  • CaptDust@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    6 months ago

    Honest question, hopefully for someone who knows the science: is the entire population actually being poisoned by oils and plastics, or is this sensationalized? Why has it taken so long to discover? Can it be reversed? Shits crazy

  • IWantToFuckSpez@kbin.social
    0·
    6 months ago

    Oh wow color me surprised /s

    And even if you don’t care about the plastic particles, most bottled water that isn’t just tap water is sourced unethically. Not too mention how these companies, like Danone, Coca-Cola and Nestle, are probably lining politicians pockets to prevent the development of potable tap water in many poor nations.

  • Ms. ArmoredThirteen@lemmy.ml
    0·
    6 months ago

    They also discovered a macroplastic holding all that water, which best case scenario will gum up nature forever. More likely it kinda sorta degrades into mystery murder material. We need to get rid of these things