Tiny plastic particles hiding in drinking water may be easier to remove than many people think. Scientists have discovered that simply boiling tap water and filtering it afterward can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics and nanoplastics people consume every day.
The study, carried out by researchers in China and published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that boiling water allows minerals naturally present in tap water to trap plastic particles. Once trapped, these particles can then be filtered out using a simple household filter or even a stainless-steel tea strainer.
Researchers tested both hard water, which contains higher levels of minerals, and soft water. They added microscopic plastic particles into the samples before boiling them. The results showed that in hard water, up to 90% of the plastic particles were removed after boiling and filtering. Even in soft water, around 25% of the contaminants were successfully reduced.
Scientists explained that when water is heated, calcium carbonate commonly known as limescale forms around the plastic fragments. This creates a crust that captures the particles and prevents them from remaining suspended in the water.
The researchers said the method could become a simple and affordable way for households to lower their daily exposure to microplastics. Since boiling water is already common practice in many homes, especially in parts of Asia, experts believe it may offer an easy public health solution while scientists continue studying the long-term effects of plastic exposure.
Microplastics have become a growing global concern because they are now found almost everywhere — in oceans, soil, food, bottled water, and even inside the human body. These tiny fragments come from plastic packaging, synthetic clothing, household items, and industrial waste. Over time, larger plastic products break down into smaller and smaller particles that do not fully disappear from the environment.
Recent studies have linked microplastics to possible health risks, including changes in gut bacteria, inflammation, and antibiotic resistance. Although researchers are still investigating the full impact on human health, scientists warn that continuous exposure could pose serious long-term concerns.
The study also highlighted that current wastewater treatment systems are still unable to completely remove microplastics before water reaches homes. As plastic pollution continues to increase worldwide, researchers believe practical household methods such as boiling water could help reduce exposure until larger environmental solutions are developed.
Experts say the findings may encourage more people to adopt boiled drinking water as a precautionary habit, especially in regions where tap water contamination from microplastics is becoming more common.