Can Water Filters Remove Microplastics?

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Microplastics are microscopic plastic particles that can be found in our water sources. These plastics are problematic as they break down quickly and contaminate our drinking water.

Particles can come from many sources, such as plastic bottles and personal care items. They could also be accidentally dumped into oceans or lakes by mistake.

Short Answer

Water filters remove microplastics. Not all water filters can. A 2.5-micron or smaller filtration medium removes microplastics from water. Finer cartridges or membranes remove more plastic. Reverse osmosis, ceramic, nano, water distillers, and some activated carbon filters best remove microplastics.

As carbon surfaces capture and absorb these particles, carbon block water filters effectively reduce the high concentration of microplastics. Use this filter for 0.5-micron particles. Water filters that remove microplastics vary. ConsumerLabs found that popular countertop water filter pitchers removed microplastics from tap water differently. Two water filters reduced microplastic particles by 80% and 36%, respectively.

Brita filters don’t remove microplastics. They remove many commercial pollutants and pesticides associated with microplastics from tap water, but not all. After microplastic removal, the water is safe to drink, according to several studies.

As a water filter technician, I know the importance of using the right filter to remove microplastics from drinking water. Customers have asked me about water filters because of microplastics in their tap water. Depending on their needs and budget, I recommend reversing osmosis, ceramic, or nano filters. To remove microplastics from drinking water, buy a good water filter.

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Ceramic filters

Ceramic water filters remove contaminants using porous material. Ceramic filters remove bacteria, particulate matter, and sediment from water with millions of half-micron pores.

Ceramic filters are safer than plastic ones, which leach chemicals into drinking water. Their advanced filtration system removes VOCs and heavy metals with an impregnated ceramic with silver and an activated carbon core.

Turbidity-reducing filters remove brown and yellow water discolorations. This lets people drink more clean water and enjoy its crisp taste.

Cleaning cartridges are risky because they’re fragile. To remove sediments clogging the cartridge’s pores, brush it in a bowl or under running water.

Reverse-osmosis

Reverse osmosis filters tap water using a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane effectively blocks some molecules while letting others through.

Reverse osmosis requires high pressure to push contaminated water through the membrane and leave pure water behind. Osmosis occurs naturally.

Reverse osmosis purifies water cheaply and sustainably. Reverse osmosis removes chlorine, nitrates, pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, fluoride, and more from water.

Reverse osmosis systems prevent contaminated water from entering public sewers, reducing wastewater treatment. RO systems can be installed under kitchen sinks or as standalone units for residential and commercial use. They also remove paints, dyes, and industrial pollutants from water.

Water distillation

Distillation is one of the oldest water treatment methods. It kills bacteria, inorganic chemicals, and many organic compounds.

Distillation involves boiling contaminated water, vaporizing it, and cooling it. Heat kills waterborne bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts.

Distillation removes minerals and chemicals. Distillation cannot remove oils and petroleum products, which have a higher boiling point than water.

Distillation purifies water for industrial and medical use at a low cost.

NSF-certified

NSF International-certified water filters reduce microplastics. This certification proves the product removes health-threatening pollutants.

Public health standards and product certification by NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) protect consumers. Food safety and water filtration certification are their specialties.

If you want peace of mind, NSF-certified filters effectively remove contaminants. It’s also important to note the device’s claimed contaminants.

Carbon-based and RO/ion exchange filters are NSF-certified. Choosing one that meets your family’s needs is crucial since each is customized.

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