Are we consuming microplastics?
Reverse Osmosis removes Microplastics and Forever Chemicals
Yes. Microplastics are present in both tap water and bottled water. A study showed that an average of 325 plastic particles were found in a liter of bottled water as compared to 5.5 plastic particles per liter of tap water, according to Sherri Mason, a Penn State researcher. Microplastics are consumed by aquatic life and bioaccumulate in the food chain, traveling all the way from filter feeders to apex predators. We consume toxin-saturated microplastics in seafood such as mussels but likely consume more microplastics in food via dust fallout from the air.
Microfibers are tiny pieces of threads and fibers that break off clothing. Clothing made from plastic (nylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic, and spandex) sheds microfibers with every wash. These microfibers and microbeads go down the drain into sewer systems. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove all particles. Therefore, microplastics can be discharged into waterways through wastewater effluent. If the microplastics are removed during the treatment process, they can remain in the sewage sludge that may be applied as fertilizer on agricultural fields. They can still end up in the environment, entering waterways through runoff. Microfibers are also in the air, entering waterways through dust fallout and surface runoff.
Should we be concerned?
Microplastics can leach chemicals into the environment. However, an even greater danger, they attract and concentrate heavy metals and organic pollutants dissolved in the water. One example is polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Even though PCBs have been banned, they are still present all over the world in both land and aquatic environments. Plastic debris accumulates pollutants up to 100,000-1,000,000 times levels found in seawater, according to NOAA. This chemical adsorption and bioaccumulation add a whole new level of concern.
Do microplastics impact our health?
The answers are not yet clear, but microplastics are found in food, air, water, and soil. They are literally everywhere. Scientists are studying impacts to both animal and human health. Much more research needs to be done to know what adverse effects they may have.
What can you do?
Amounts of microplastics in the environment are likely to increase with the increase of plastic production. Although depressing, there are simple things you can do to cut down on this growing problem.
Safer Drinking Water 
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