The growing presence of microplastics in our environment and water sources has become a significant concern for many. Distilled water is often perceived as exceptionally pure due to its purification process. This raises a common question: does distilled water contain microplastics?
Understanding Microplastics and Their Presence
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically defined as being less than 5 millimeters (approximately 0.2 inches) in size. These pervasive particles originate from various sources and are found throughout the environment, including oceans, freshwater systems, soil, and air. Primary microplastics are those manufactured to be small, such as microbeads in personal care products or microfibers from synthetic clothing. Secondary microplastics result from the fragmentation of larger plastic items, like bottles and bags, as they break down over time due to environmental factors.
The Process of Water Distillation
Water distillation is a purification method that mimics Earth’s natural water cycle. The process begins by heating water in a boiling chamber until it vaporizes into steam. As the water transforms into a gaseous state, impurities such as dissolved solids, minerals, bacteria, and larger contaminants are left behind because they do not evaporate with the water. The purified steam then rises and enters a condenser, where it cools and returns to a liquid state as distilled water. This method physically separates water molecules from most contaminants, resulting in a highly purified product.
Effectiveness of Distillation Against Microplastics
Distillation is highly effective at removing microplastics from water, a process stemming from fundamental physical principles. Microplastics are solid particles, even at their smallest sizes, and they do not turn into vapor when water boils. These solid plastic particles remain in the boiling chamber, unable to travel with the purified water vapor. This physical separation ensures that the collected distilled water is largely free of microplastics. Studies have shown that water distillers can remove nearly 100% of known microplastics, making distillation an effective method for eliminating microplastic contamination from water, leaving behind the plastic particles in the residue.
Potential Sources of Microplastics in Distilled Water
While the distillation process itself effectively removes microplastics, contamination can occur after purification. Its high purity makes it susceptible to contamination during post-processing handling. Plastic storage containers, such as bottles or tanks, can leach microplastic particles into the water, especially if the plastic degrades over time or is exposed to heat or sunlight. Research indicates that bottled water, even if purified, commonly contains microplastics that originate from the packaging or bottling process. Components within the distillation unit itself, if made of certain plastics, could potentially introduce microplastics, although well-designed systems typically use materials like stainless steel to prevent this. Airborne microplastic particles, which are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, can settle into distilled water if it is exposed to the air during or after the collection process. Cross-contamination can also occur during handling or bottling procedures if proper precautions are not taken to maintain the water’s purity.