Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have refuted the common belief that plastic containers are the main source of microplastics in drinking water. According to the research results, the concentration of microparticles is almost the same in water from plastic, glass, and Tetra Pak, and the decisive role is played by the water preparation technology at the factory.
To test the hypothesis, the specialists conducted cascade filtration of water samples from several manufacturers. The sample included drinks in different packaging, as well as tap water samples. Measurements showed that the microplastic content does not exceed ten thousand particles per liter in any format, and in terms of mass, this is less than one nanogram per liter. It is noteworthy that even more particles were recorded in glass bottles and cardboard packages than in plastic containers.
The head of the Department of Polymer and Crystal Physics at Moscow State University, Academician Alexei Khokhlov, explained that industrial water treatment takes place in non-sterile conditions, so it is this stage that determines the purity of the product, not the packaging material. He also noted that the concentration of colloidally dissolved particles is so small that it does not pose a risk to the average consumer.
Previously, MSU specialists had already assessed the pollution of water bodies in the Moscow region. In samples from the Moscow River, the Desna River, and a Moscow region swamp, the concentration of microplastics was only a few hundred nanograms per liter, which indicates a favorable environmental situation.