The recent scientific inquiry has brought to light a notable revelation regarding the abundance of cancer-causing nanoplastics in plastic water bottles, showcasing the use of advanced laser scanning techniques. The investigation, conducted by a team of scientists utilizing state-of-the-art Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy, revealed an average of 240,000 plastic particles in a one-litre bottle of water. This concerning figure sharply contrasts with the mere 5.5 particles found in the equivalent volume of tap water.
Nanoplastics, significantly smaller than previously identified microplastics in bottled water, have been associated with various health risks, including cancer, fertility issues, and birth defects. The minute size of these particles allows them to directly infiltrate blood cells and the brain, posing potential toxicity.
Of particular concern is the fact that these minuscule particles carry phthalates, chemicals used to enhance the durability, flexibility, and longevity of plastics. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to an estimated 100,000 premature deaths annually in the United States alone.
Groundbreaking research in 2018 had previously detected around 300 microplastic particles in a litre of bottled water. However, limitations in measurement techniques at that time hindered the researchers’ ability to delve deeper into the issue.
The latest study, utilizing SRS microscopy, provides unprecedented insights into the composition of bottled water. The method involves probing bottles with two lasers tuned to make specific molecules resonate, with a computer algorithm determining their origin.
Results from the research indicate that nanoparticles constitute a staggering 90 per cent of the molecules found in bottled water, while the remaining 10 per cent are microplastics. One prevalent type of nanoparticle identified is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic commonly used in bottled sodas, sports drinks, and various food products. A co-author of the study, an environmental chemist, suggested, “Bits of PET likely find their way into the water when the bottle is squeezed or exposed to heat.”
Surprisingly, another plastic particle outnumbering PET in bottled water samples was polyamide, a type of nylon. The environmental chemist remarked, “Ironically, this likely comes from plastic filters used to supposedly purify the water before bottling.”
While other common plastics like polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polymethyl methacrylate were present, they accounted for only around 10 per cent of all nanoparticles found. Astonishingly, the researchers remain uncertain about the composition of the remaining 90 per cent.
In response to these findings, the team plans to extend their investigation to tap water, which, although previously shown to contain microplastics, has been found in considerably smaller quantities than its bottled counterpart. This revelation comes at a time when plastic production continues to threaten the environment, with over 30 million tonnes dumped annually in water or on land.
The implications of this research extend beyond environmental concerns. Recent studies have linked nanoplastics to detrimental effects on the brain. Researchers from a prominent medical institution discovered that nanoplastics impact a specific protein in the brain, leading to changes associated with Parkinson’s disease and other forms of dementia. Another study published in April 2023 found that nanoplastic consumption resulted in reduced cognition and short-term memory in mice.
As the scientific community grapples with these alarming revelations, the need for heightened awareness, research, and potential regulatory measures becomes increasingly urgent. The impact of nanoplastics on human health, combined with their pervasive presence in everyday products, underscores the critical importance of addressing this issue on a global scale.