Boiling Water Can Remove Up to 90% of Microplastics, Chinese Study Finds

A **new study from China** has revealed a remarkably simple and effective way to reduce **microplastic contamination in drinking water** — just by boiling it. Researchers from **Guangzhou Medical University** and **Jinan University** found that boiling water followed by basic filtration can remove **up to 90% of plastic particles**, offering a practical solution to a growing global concern.

In the study, researchers added microplastic particles to both **mineral-rich (hard) water** and **soft water**, and then boiled and filtered the samples. The results showed that:

* **90% of microplastics were eliminated** from **mineral-rich water** after boiling and filtering.
* Even in **soft water**, around **25% of microplastics** were removed through the same process.

### How It Works

According to the researchers, **calcium carbonate** — commonly found in mineral-rich water — plays a key role. When boiled, it helps to **trap microplastic particles**, making it easier to filter them out. A **simple tea strainer** or similar household filter can be used to remove the remaining particles after boiling.

> “The act of boiling causes mineral scaling which can bind to microplastics and allow them to be physically filtered,” the scientists explained.

### Microplastics and Health

Studies have shown that **humans consume thousands of microplastic particles** every year through water alone. Though the full extent of health impacts is still under investigation, research indicates that microplastics may:

* Alter **gut microbiota**
* Increase **antibiotic resistance**
* Cause **long-term immune and metabolic disruptions**

### A Practical Household Solution

Researchers emphasized that boiling water — already a common method for killing bacteria — could also become a **key defense against microplastics**.

Surprisingly, the study notes that in many regions of the world, **boiling water is not a common practice**, despite its health benefits. The scientists hope this new finding will encourage more people globally to adopt this simple habit.

> “Our results demonstrate a cost-effective, accessible way to reduce microplastic exposure at the household level,” they concluded.

The study has been published in the journal **Environmental Science & Technology Letters**.