Although we commonly overlook it, water quality is one of the most worrying topics of late—especially with the dawn of microplastics. This danger has penetrated the planet’s water systems, causing concern for all life forms. As with any contaminants that can affect your water, it’s best to know about microplastics, discover their presence, and how to quell them. Let’s talk about it.
What are Microplastics?
The ocean is vast, with chasms as deep as the earth’s mountains are high. Over the course of the years, modern civilization has unfortunately decided to use this as a place to dump plastic waste. Things we don’t think about as we throw away, like plastic bottles, straws, cutlery, bags, and even cigarette butts, are decomposing in the ocean.
As a result, tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, have compromised our aquatic resources. Not only are they a hazard to humans, but they also pose a threat to animal life.
How can Microplastics Harm Humans?
Microplastics are a relatively new concern, so it’s not fully known how much of an effect they can have on humans. However, given our knowledge of the human body, there are some theoretical ways they can harm.
Because they consist of plastic material, these contaminants contain chemicals that could potentially cause cancer, like neurotoxicants and carcinogens. Additionally, they can affect the intestines, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Cardiovascular issues have also been linked to microplastics.
How can Microplastics Harm Pets?
As previously mentioned, this contaminant can also affect all animals, from tiny organisms to large ones, birds, insects, and even whales. The number one issue is ingestion.
If consumed, this pollutant can trigger internal damage, endangering your four-legged friend’s digestive system by causing irritation and bleeding. Your pet may also have a false feeling of being full, which could result in starvation.
Plus, the waste product can also affect reproductive tissues, making reproduction problematic. These are all things to remember if you own any type of pet.
How to Detect Microplastics in My Drinking Water?
Now that we know what microplastics are and how they can adversely affect us, you should determine whether they are in your drinking water. Staying true to the definition of “micro,” these particles can be incredibly tiny and invisible to the naked eye.
Currently, there aren’t any home tests, like strips, that can detect this contaminant. You’ll need a sample of your water examined by a certified laboratory.
Can You Use Water Filtration to Get Rid of Microplastics?
If the lab results indicate that microplastics are in your water, you’d want to reduce them next. For those familiar with water filtration, it may seem like an answer to your problem, and you’re correct! Water filtration systems are an excellent solution since they effectively remove pollutants from water, including microplastics.
If you do not currently have a filtration system in your home, you need to determine whether you require it to be a point-of-use or point-of-entry system. The difference between these two is simply convenience.
A point of entry would be your choice if you’d like your system to cover your whole household—any bathrooms, kitchens, and appliances that use water. However, a point-of-use water filter system should suffice if your concern is simply the kitchen faucet.
A reverse osmosis system is the best water filtration system for removing the contaminant. These systems can remove particles as small as 0.001 microns, totally eliminating the issue.
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What are the Best Filters to Remove Microplastics?
The important thing is to ensure your that the filter can remove contaminants as small as 2.5 microns since that is the smallest the contaminant is known to be.
RO systems are a great investment but may be outside your budget. Fortunately, other more economical options are available. When searching for the correct filters in these categories, it is important to ensure the filter has a micron rating below 2.5 microns.
Because of their unique design, active carbon filters are an excellent choice for removing microplastics. The filters utilize their porous structure and adsorption to tie down the contaminants as the water flows through. Think of the carbon as a magnet that pulls microplastics towards it.
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Ceramic water filters contain millions of micropores within the casing specifically structured to capture pollutants. Larger microplastics will be captured without issue, but dissolved contaminants can be problematic.
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Don’t Forget to Replace Your Water Filters!
Having a water filtration system to remove microplastics is fantastic, but to ensure continued safety, you’ll need to replace the filter in your system. You might ask, “Why?” The answer is simple. As time goes by, your filter will eventually become worn down. If you neglect the task, it will eventually become clogged with contaminants—including the main pollutant of concern.
The frequency at which you need to replace your filters depends on the type of filter, your water quality, and how much you use your system.
For most RO systems, you’ll need to replace the RO filter annually. However, most reverse osmosis systems come with other types of filters, including a pre-filter, a carbon filter, and an RO membrane. Those have their own intervals, with a pre-filter/carbon filter requiring a replacement every six months and the membrane around every two years.
Activated carbon and ceramic water filters need to be replaced every six months. Doing so guarantees amazing water quality and that it is free of any concerning contamination.
Life moves quickly, and believe us, we understand! Utilizing an auto-delivery program like our Home Filter Club can provide the assistance you never knew you needed. We enjoy taking the worry out of your day and delivering just in time. Simply choose Subscribe and Save on checkout, select your delivery interval, and we’ve got the rest!
Neutralizing The Concern of Microplastics
Although the emergence of the microplastic issue is concerning, fortunately, there are ways to prepare. Knowing is half the battle, so arm yourself by keeping updated on the topic. As your number-one resource for all things filtration, we at FiltersFast.com will do our best to keep you informed. Performing a test will let you know if your water quality has been compromised and if it has, you have plenty of water filtration options to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
For more information on having clean water quality, please read the following articles:
- National Water Quality Month: Do You Know Your Water Quality?
- How Water and Air Filtration Affect Your Quality of Food
- How To Find the Best Water Filtration System for Your Home in 2023
- How well does your state monitor water quality?
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