When you crack open a fresh bottle of water, you’re probably expecting purity — crisp, clean refreshment. But research in recent years has revealed a surprising contaminant lurking in bottled water: microplastics.
So What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, that break off from larger plastic. They’re practically invisible to the naked eye — but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
Bottled Water Under the Microscope
A landmark study in 2018 by Orb Media tested over 250 bottles from 11 leading brands across nine countries. The results were alarming: 93% of bottled water samples contained microplastic contamination. The average was about 325 particles per liter, with some bottles containing over 10,000 microplastic particles per liter.
Where Are These Microplastics Coming From?
You might think the water itself is contaminated — and sometimes it is. But a major source of microplastics in bottled water is actually the single use plastic bottle and the cap. Here’s how:
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Friction during transport, storage and opening and closing can shave tiny plastic particles from the bottle and the cap into the water.
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Manufacturing residues may remain inside bottles when the bottle are made.
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Bottles stored for long periods, especially in heat or sunlight while waiting to be shipped to warehouses and stores, can start to degrade and shed tiny plastic particles into the water.
Single use plastic bottles are not inert containers. Over time, they can leach microplastic fragments into the very water meant to keep you hydrated.
Potential Health Concerns
Science is still investigating the full health effects of ingesting microplastics. So far, studies suggest possible risks include:
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Chemical exposure from plastic additives like BPA or phthalates, which are linked to hormonal disruptions.
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Physical irritation or inflammation if particles lodge in tissues.
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Transport of other toxins, as microplastics can attract heavy metals or pollutants from the environment.
While more research is needed, many experts agree it’s wise to minimize microplastic intake where possible.
Reverse Osmosis: A Powerful Barrier
For those seeking peace of mind, reverse osmosis (RO) systems offer a proven defense. RO filters push water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes contaminants down to around 0.0001 microns in size — small enough to capture many microplastics.
To put that in perspective, studies have found that most microplastics in bottled water range from about 1 micron up to 5 millimeters. That means RO membranes are thousands of times finer than the smallest microplastic particles typically detected in bottled water.
According to research published in Environmental Science & Technology, reverse osmosis effectively removes suspended microplastics, making it one of the most reliable and effective ways to remove contaminates in drinking water.
A Safer Sip
Microplastics are a modern problem without a simple fix. Choosing high-quality refillable bottles, avoiding prolonged storage of bottled water in heat, and considering advanced filtration like reverse osmosis are smart ways to reduce your exposure.
Your water should be as pure as you expect it to be. And knowing what’s in your bottle is the first step toward truly clean hydration.
At Fill n Go, we’re committed to giving you safer, purer water without the waste or cost of bottled water. That’s why our refill stations use advanced reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration, which effectively remove microplastics, PFAS, fluoride, chlorine and other harmful contaminants. It’s a smarter, more affordable choice that helps protect your health—and the planet—compared to buying water in plastic bottles.
Visit www.fillngo.com.au
Refill stations in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Toowoomba