Dr. Clark Warned Decades Ago About Reverse Osmosis Water: New Study Finds Hundreds of Thousands of Nanoplastic Particles

Introduction

With environmental plastic pollutants becoming an increasing risk, many people have started using reverse osmosis (RO) systems for water purification. However, recent findings suggest that RO water may not be as pristine as once believed. A groundbreaking study has revealed the presence of nanoplastics in RO water, echoing warnings issued decades ago by Dr. Clark. This blog explores these findings and what they mean for your health.

Dr. Clark's Early Warnings

Dr. Clark, a pioneer in environmental health, cautioned against the potential risks of RO water long before modern studies corroborated her concerns. She argued that while RO systems effectively remove many contaminants, they could also introduce new ones, including tiny particles that evade detection, as well as harbor pathogens if not replaced often. Her insights are proving relevant today as emerging research uncovers the hidden contents of our "purified" water, as nanoplastics have been detected in RO water. 

Reverse osmosis is a popular filtration method that uses a synthetic, semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. It's praised for its ability to produce water that's free from many impurities, making it a go-to choice for those seeking the purest water possible. However, its very process might be contributing to a new form of contamination. It's worth noting that some reverse osmosis membranes can filter out particles down to the 0.0001-micron level, meaning they will remove the vast majority of micro- and nano-plastics down to .1 nanometers. 

(Center for International Environmental Law)

Recent Study Findings on Nanoplastics

Nevertheless, using cutting-edge laser imaging techniques, scientists have unfortunately identified nanoplastics in RO water that are far smaller than previously detectable. These particles, measuring at the nanometer scale, include a variety of plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The study revealed that only 10% of the nanomaterial detected was plastic, with the remainder comprising microscopic clays, metals, and carbon residues. The presence of these particles is alarming as they can infiltrate and disrupt cellular functions, posing potential health risks.

The Source of Contamination

Interestingly, the study found that some plastics in RO water likely originated from the RO filters themselves, suggesting leaching during the filtration process. Additionally, environmental contamination of source water by aerosols from plastic plants may contribute to the presence of nanoplastics in bottled water. Columbia University invented a new way to detect nanoplastics in 2024, and found that one liter of bottled water contains over 100,000 plastic particles, most of which are nanoplastics.

Another study in 2023 used Raman Spectrometry to analyze polysterene and PET nanopastics in plastic bottled water. They detected a very high number of particles, and estimated that "annual nanoplastic consumption of human beings through bottled drinking water was also estimated to be about 10¹⁴ particles assuming water consumption of 2 L/day for adults." (Zhang, et al., 2023). That's 100 trillion plastic particles in a year's time! 

Alternatives to Reverse Osmosis

Given these findings, some health-conscious consumers may want to consider alternative water filtration methods, such as:

• Activated Carbon Filters: Known for effectively removing organic compounds and chlorine, they also remove significant amounts of plastics over 5 microns in size, depending on the quality of the filter. 
• Distillation: Boils water and condenses the steam, leaving contaminants behind.
• UV Water Purifiers: Use ultraviolet light to sanitize water and kill bacteria and viruses.
• Ceramic Water Filters: Provide a physical barrier to contaminants.

Each method has its pros and cons, but they offer different approaches to ensuring water safety without the drawbacks of RO systems.

Practical Tips for Ensuring Water Quality

To ensure the quality of your drinking water, consider the following tips:

1. Get Your Water Tested: Regular testing can help identify contaminants specific to your water supply.
2. Maintain Your Filtration System: Regular maintenance of any filtration system is crucial to prevent contamination.
3. Consider Combining Methods: Using multiple filtration methods can enhance water purity.
4. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest research and recommendations regarding water safety.

Conclusion

The presence of nanoplastics in RO water is a wake-up call for all who prioritize health and wellness. By exploring alternative filtration methods, or buying an improved RO filter that goes down to the smallest size particle, you can make informed choices that align with your health-conscious lifestyle. At DCS, we are preparing to offer distilled water to local customers, and will be lab testing a variety of bottle water brands to see which are most polluted with micro and nanoplastics. If you have a favorite brand you would like tested, please list in the comments below!

Sources

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2300582121

Zhang et al, 2023. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c00842