Using cutting-edge technology, scientists found a quarter of a million nanoplastics in a liter of bottled water.
Columbia and Rutgers universities’ researchers found these microscopic plastic particles, previously unknown, in samples from three common brands.
Origin of Nanoplastics
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, mentioned that plastic levels ranged from 110,000 to 400,000 particles per litre, averaging around 240,000.
Lead author Naixin Qian suggested plastic originated from bottles and filtration systems.
The quantity of nanoplastics was 10 to 100 times more than the amount found in microplastics.
Researchers Urged Avoiding Single Plastic Use
The researchers concluded that the most effective way to reduce the risk is to transition from using single-use plastics.
“Study co-author Beizhan Yan said he does have one recommendation for people who are worried: Use reusable bottles instead of single-use plastics”, the Associated Press reported.
