Do Water Filters Remove Microplastics?

Microplastics are a growing concern in our environment and drinking water. Many people wonder, do water filters remove microplastics ? The answer is yes—certain water filters can significantly reduce or completely remove these tiny plastic particles from your drinking water. 

In this article, we will explore how microplastics affect health, what types of water filters are most effective, and how you can take action to protect yourself and the environment.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They come from various sources, including plastic waste, synthetic fibers from clothing, and industrial byproducts. 

These microscopic pollutants are now found in oceans, lakes, soil, and even the air we breathe. Because they do not biodegrade, they persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, accumulating in ecosystems and food chains.

This contamination poses significant risks to both the environment and human health. Marine animals often consume these plastics, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain. If you eat seafood, there’s a high chance you’re consuming microplastics, too.

Microplastics are also found in everyday household dust, air, and even certain processed foods. This growing crisis highlights the urgent need to filter these contaminants from our drinking water.

Once ingested, microplastics do not simply pass through the body. Instead, they can accumulate over time and potentially lead to severe health issues. 

Researchers have linked microplastics to various health concerns, including:

• Hormonal Disruptions – Many microplastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with hormone function.

• Digestive Issues – Some studies suggest microplastics may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other gut health issues.

• Immune System Effects – Microplastics may weaken immune responses by triggering inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

• Organ Damage – Recent research suggests that the smallest microplastics, known as nanoplastics, can enter the bloodstream and accumulate in organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Because prevention is always better than cure, one of the best ways to protect yourself from microplastic exposure is by ensuring your drinking water is free from these contaminants. But do water filters remove microplastics? Let’s find out.

Yes, water filters can remove microplastics, but not all filters are equally effective. The key factor is the pore size of the filtration system.

According to research conducted by Orb Media, microplastics can be as small as 2.5 microns. So the best way to remove them is by a filtration medium as small or smaller than 2.5 microns. The finer the cartridge or membrane, the more plastics it will remove.

If you wish to use a water filter to remove microplastics from your drinking water, check out our collection of benchtop or undersink water filters to REDUCE microplastics, and reverse osmosis filters to REMOVE microplastics.

Contact us anytime if you have any questions, and we’d be happy to help.

1. Carbon Filters

Carbon water filters, such as activated carbon and carbon block water filters, are commonly used in household water filtration systems. They can reduce the number of microplastics in water but may not remove them entirely. 

Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters typically have carbon particle sizes of around 0.8 to 1.0 mm, which is too large to effectively trap the smallest microplastics. However, denser carbon block filters can capture smaller particles, making them a better choice.

2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters

Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective method for removing microplastics from water. These systems use a semi-permeable membrane with a pore size of approximately 0.0001 microns—small enough to remove even the tiniest microplastic particles, as well as other contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, and chemicals.

3. Ceramic Filters

Ceramic filters with a pore size smaller than 2.5 microns can also remove microplastics, but their effectiveness depends on the filter’s density and structure. Some high-quality ceramic filters combined with activated carbon can reduce microplastics while improving overall water quality.

4. Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems

Ultrafiltration systems use membranes with pores between 0.01 and 0.1 microns. While they are more effective than standard carbon filters, they do not perform as well as reverse osmosis in completely eliminating microplastics.

If you’re looking for the best water filters to remove microplastics , here are some top recommendations:

• Best for budget-conscious users: Benchtop Gravity Filter with Doulton British Berkefeld Candle
• Best for most households: Ultrapure Benchtop or Undersink Water Filter
• Most effective overall: HPF 7 Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

For complete removal of microplastics, a reverse osmosis filter is the best option due to its ability to separate even the smallest particles from your water.

While using a water filter to remove microplastics is an essential step, reducing overall plastic pollution is equally important. Here are some actions you can take:

• Limit single-use plastics – Avoid plastic bottles, straws, and disposable utensils.

• Use a fiber filter in your washing machine – This helps capture synthetic fibers from clothes before they enter the water system.

• Dispose of plastic responsibly – Always recycle and never litter.

• Choose natural fabrics – Synthetic clothing sheds microplastics during washing. Opt for cotton, wool, or other natural fibers when possible.

• Wash synthetic fabrics less often – Reducing the frequency of washing synthetic clothes can decrease microplastic pollution.

The microplastics problem is not just about human health—it’s about protecting our environment. If plastic pollution continues at its current rate, scientists predict that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. The best way to combat this crisis is through both personal and collective action.

By investing in a high-quality water filter to remove microplastics, reducing single-use plastics, and making more sustainable choices, we can all contribute to a healthier planet and cleaner drinking water.