Innovative Method for Removing Microplastics from Tap Water Discovered

In a groundbreaking study published in the *Environmental Science and Technology Letters* on June 11, 2025, chemists Zhanjun Li and Eddy Zeng, alongside colleagues from Guangzhou, China, have identified a surprisingly simple method to significantly reduce microplastic contamination in tap water. This finding emerges in a time when concerns about the presence of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in everyday water supplies are at an all-time high, prompting global attention and research into their potential health impacts.

Historically, the notion that microplastics could infiltrate domestic water supplies was met with skepticism. However, extensive testing has revealed alarming levels of these minute particles in tap water worldwide. According to the European Commission’s 2025 report, microplastic counts in municipal water supplies range from 19 to 1,154 particles per liter, with higher concentrations linked to mineral-rich aquifers (European Commission, 2025).

Li and Zeng's research demonstrates that by utilizing the natural minerals present in hard water, particularly calcium carbonate, households can effectively capture these harmful particles. Their experiment showed that heating calcium-rich water to a temperature just below boiling (around 212°F) leads to the crystallization of calcium carbonate flakes. These flakes then attach to microplastic particles, causing them to sink to the bottom of the kettle.

"The process is remarkably efficient, achieving up to 90% removal of microplastics within five minutes of boiling," stated Dr. Zhanjun Li, lead chemist and researcher at Guangzhou University. This method is particularly effective in areas with hard water, where the mineral content exceeds 300 milligrams per liter, a common level in regions such as San Antonio and Indianapolis.

The implications of this discovery are significant for public health and environmental policy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need for further research to establish definitive links between microplastic consumption and health outcomes, yet they advocate for practical measures to reduce exposure (WHO, 2025). The U.S. Geological Survey echoes this sentiment and has called for simple interventions that individuals can adopt immediately to mitigate plastic exposure (U.S. Geological Survey, 2025).

In addition to boiling, the study suggests that soft water areas, where calcium levels are lower than 60 milligrams per liter, can still achieve a 25% reduction in microplastics by adding food-grade calcium supplements, such as pharmaceutical lime, prior to heating. This adjustment aligns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's guideline of maintaining calcium levels within 120 milligrams per liter to avoid taste issues.

Despite the simplicity of the boiling method, experts caution that it is not a comprehensive solution to the growing plastic crisis. While engineers are exploring advanced filtration systems and biotechnological solutions to tackle microplastic pollution at its source, the current study offers a practical, low-cost approach that individuals can implement in their homes.

As policymakers deliberate on stricter water quality regulations, this research underscores the importance of utilizing existing resources and behaviors to combat ongoing environmental challenges. Although the fight against plastic pollution is far from over, Li and Zeng’s findings illuminate a path forward using established practices to safeguard public health while further scientific innovations are developed.

In conclusion, while boiling water may not eliminate the presence of microplastics entirely, it represents a significant step towards reducing their impact on daily life. As the scientific community continues to investigate the long-term effects of microplastic ingestion, individuals are encouraged to adopt simple methods to decrease their exposure and contribute to broader environmental health initiatives.