KUWAIT CITY, Jan 9: In a groundbreaking research study, scientists have uncovered that bottled water, commonly sold in stores, may contain 10 to 100 times more nanoplastics than previously estimated. Nanoplastics, invisible to the naked eye and 1,000 times smaller than the average human hair, have been found in concentrations that pose potential health risks. Researchers from Columbia University, utilizing advanced technology, identified and classified seven types of plastics in water samples, with 90% of the particles being nanoplastics and the rest microplastics.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that one liter of water, equivalent to two standard-sized bottled waters, contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles. These findings underscore the urgent need for further investigation into the potential risks nanoplastics pose to human health.

Spearheaded by Columbia University researchers, the study employed stimulated Raman scattering microscopy (SRS) to detect and analyze nanoplastics. This innovative technique allowed the identification of millions of nanoparticles in bottled water, far surpassing previous estimates. While the study did not disclose the specific brands tested, it emphasized the need for standardized methods to measure and quantify nanoplastics.

The potential threats of nanoplastics lie in their ability to migrate through the digestive tract, lungs, and bloodstream, distributing synthetic chemicals throughout the body. Experts, including Sherri "Sam" Mason of Penn State Behrend, advocate for the consumption of tap water from glass or stainless steel containers to mitigate exposure to nanoplastics. The study highlights the ongoing shedding of plastic particles from various sources and the importance of understanding the impact of plastic polymers on human health.

While the International Bottled Water Association calls for a comprehensive review of the study, scientists acknowledge that the new technology provides a crucial step toward better understanding the health risks associated with nanoplastics. Researchers are now exploring questions regarding the origin of nanoplastics in bottled water, the comparison of nanoplastic levels in bottled versus tap water, and the fate of nanoplastics within the human body. As science progresses, public awareness and efforts to reduce plastic consumption remain key to minimizing potential health risks.