Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in size. They have become a growing concern due to their potential impact on the environment and human health. As a widely used water filtration brand, Brita is often questioned does Brita filter microplastics?
Therefore, today we are going to evaluate:
- How Brita filters work
- Explore scientific studies
- And compare Brita to other filtration methods.
So let’s start:
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic particles derived from various sources. These include the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic fibers in textiles, and microbeads in personal care products. They pose a concern because of their persistence in the environment, potential ingestion by marine life, and the possibility of entering the food chain. Thereby impacting ecosystems and human health.
How do Brita filters work?
Brita filters employ a sophisticated filtration system that combines activated carbon and ion exchange resin to effectively reduce impurities in water. This combination of filtration media allows Brita filters to tackle a wide range of contaminants, ensuring cleaner and better-tasting water.
The activated carbon material serves as a key component in Brita filters. It is highly porous and possesses a large surface area, which enables it to adsorb and trap various impurities present in the water, as we discussed while comparing it with bottled water. Contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, and certain organic compounds are effectively absorbed by the activated carbon, improving the taste and odor of the filtered water.
In addition to the activated carbon, Brita filters utilize an ion-exchange resin. This resin is specifically designed to target heavy metals, such as lead and copper, which may be present in the water supply. Through an ion-exchange process, the resin attracts and captures these metal ions, effectively reducing their concentration in the filtered water.
By combining the adsorption properties of activated carbon with the ion-exchange capabilities of the resin, Brita filters provide a comprehensive approach to water filtration. This dual filtration mechanism ensures the removal of a wide range of impurities, including chlorine, sediment, organic compounds, and heavy metals like lead and copper. As a result, users can enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water that is free from these common contaminants. But it isn’t suited for turbulent waters as like river water.
Does Brita filter microplastics?
While Brita filters are not specifically designed to target microplastics, the activated carbon component can capture particles down to a certain size.
According to a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, it has been found that drinking water treatment plants, which utilize sand and granular activated carbon (GAC) filters, demonstrate effective nanoplastic filtration. These GAC filters are similar to the filters commonly used in water pitcher filters, such as Brita filters. The study suggests that these conventional drinking water treatment plants can remove approximately 88.1 percent of nanoplastics. However, if a coagulation process is also employed in conjunction with the filtration, the removal efficiency can increase significantly to around 99.4 percent.
So if you have a Brita filter that utilizes d granular activated carbon (GAC) filters, then it can remove microplastics as well.
Maintenance practices
To maximize microplastic filtration efficiency, regular maintenance of Brita filters is essential. This includes replacing the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer, cleaning the filter housing, and ensuring proper installation. Neglecting maintenance can reduce the filter’s effectiveness over time.
Hi, I’m Asim Riaz, a professional engineer and water quality expert. With my background as an engineering graduate and over ten years of experience in the field, I have gathered extensive knowledge and expertise in water systems. Now, I am excited to share all that I have learned with you.
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