New research finds plastic particles in leading bottled water brands

Ellen Manning

New research has revealed that bottled water brands from across the world are contaminated with plastic particles.

The research from nonprofit journalism organisation Orb Media tested more than 250 bottles from 11 global leading brands and found that 93% of the samples contained microplastic particles.

The contamination included polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with particle concentration ranging from 0 to more than 10,000 likely plastic particles in a single bottle. According to the research, the global average was 325 particles per litre.

The study was supervised by Dr Sherri Mason, Chair of the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences at the State University of New York at Fredonia, a leading microplastics researcher.

Brands tested included Aquafina, Dasani, Evian, Nestlé Pure Life, and San Pellegrino, as well as national brands Bisleri (India), Epura (Mexico), Gerolsteiner (Germany), Minalba (Brazil), and Wahaha (China).

<em>Contaminated – the research showed that bottled water brands from across the world are contaminated with plastic (Pictures: Getty)</em>
Contaminated – the research showed that bottled water brands from across the world are contaminated with plastic (Pictures: Getty)

Prof Mason told BBC News: “We found [plastic] in bottle after bottle and brand after brand.

“It’s not about pointing fingers at particular brands; it’s really showing that this is everywhere, that plastic has become such a pervasive material in our society, and it’s pervading water – all of these products that we consume at a very basic level.”

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Orb Media said what the findings mean for human health is as yet unknown.

For the research, Orb’s reporters bought bottled water in 19 locations across nine countries on five continents, including through Amazon. The countries included Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Thailand, and the United States.

<em>Effects – Orb Media said what the findings mean for human health is as yet unknown </em>
Effects – Orb Media said what the findings mean for human health is as yet unknown

All purchases made were of a pre-packed case of water rather than single bottles.

The research follows Orb’s reporting on microplastics in tap water. It said it was logical to continue the research to include bottled water, which impacts billions of people.