Filtering Microplastics

Feb 20 , 2023

Here at King Water Filtration, we’re committed to educating our customers and helping them choose the right filtration system for them. To help, we’re taking a look at another of the most widely discussed water contaminants: microplastics.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are small bits of plastic that are invisible to the naked eye. Less than 5mm across, they have been found in pretty much every place you can think of, including deep in the ocean, in fish, in the air and in water. Whether it’s bottled or from an unfiltered tap doesn’t matter – microplastics are routinely found in drinking water, too.

Microplastics come from several sources. These can be divided into two groups:

Primary: Found in personal care products and cosmetics, these premade microplastics were banned in 2015 in the U.S. However, all of the primary microplastics from before the ban can still be found ‘in the wild’.
Secondary: These microplastics aren’t premade. Instead, they fragment off of larger plastic receptacles, like bottles or cups, or in plastic pipes, and travel in the water.

Microplastics can be found inside of us due to our inadvertent consumption. We consume these microplastics in our drinking water, in our food and simply by inhaling. And they’re not limited to our digestive or respiratory systems, either. Scientists recently found that microplastics appeared in the bloodstream in 80% of tested subjects. Over time, microplastics degrade, but that process can take decades.

Can Microplastics Hurt You?

Officially, the jury is still out, as microplastics have not been conclusively linked to any health issue. However, the human body can and does attack things that it recognizes as unfamiliar, and it’s possible that an excessive buildup of microplastics could cause such a reaction. Microplastics can also carry harmful chemicals inside of them, like BPAS and PFAS. And since you’re probably a ‘better safe than sorry’ person, you would benefit from water filtration for added peace of mind.

Can They Be Filtered Out?

Yes. To start, you’ll be better off using tap water. Research shows that tap water already has far fewer microplastics in it, with 5.5 parts per liter (ppl) as opposed to 325 ppl in bottled water on average. Microplastics can be caught in wastewater treatments, but as we've learned, water treatment doesn’t necessarily catch every contaminant.

With King Water Filtration systems, you’re doubly protected from microplastics by two of our filtration stages. The first, the activated carbon stage, already neutralizes chemicals that are contained within microplastics, like PFAS. And right after that, the quartz mineral stone stage of filtration removes sediment and suspended solids. Just like that, you’ve already got two lines of defense against microplastics, and you can keep them from entering your body through water.

The threat of microplastics is very real, but with filtration, you can minimize their risks. If you’d like to learn more about King Water’s industry-best filtration systems, you can set up an appointment through our website or call 855-957-2166.