“Antibiotic resistance is an overlooked impact of microplastic pollution,” announced a recent European news report, drawing attention to a concerning new dimension of our plastic waste problem. Polystyrene—found in products like teabags, takeaway containers, and clothing—can degrade into tiny fragments called microplastics.
These microscopic particles are small enough to enter the human body without our awareness. In fact, an investigation by Orb Media, reported by The Guardian, discovered that microplastics were present in 72 percent of tap water samples tested across Europe. Alarmingly, research suggests that babies may absorb up to 15 times more microplastics than adults—likely due to factors such as crawling on carpets, exposure to plastic toys, and their developing bodies.
Beyond simply existing as litter, these microplastics might be carrying harmful bacteria into our bodies, potentially aiding the spread of antibiotic resistance—one of the most pressing public health issues of our time.
Study insights: microplastics as a breeding ground for resistant bacteria
A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials sheds light on why polystyrene microplastics might be fuelling antibiotic resistance. As these tiny fragments degrade, they develop cracks and pores where bacteria attach and thrive. This “cosy” environment enables bacteria to exchange antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) more readily than they would in open surroundings.
What makes this finding especially concerning is that it indicates antibiotic resistance can proliferate even without the misuse or overuse of antibiotics—long recognised as a primary cause of resistance. If microplastics contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria enter the human body—whether through tap water, bottled beverages, or other everyday sources—they could make once-treatable infections increasingly difficult to manage. Vulnerable individuals, such as infants, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems, face heightened risks.
Additional research also emphasises the complexity of this issue. One laboratory investigation published in Water Research found that microplastics can foster robust bacterial communities, making them less vulnerable to standard disinfection measures. Consequently, plastic fragments in water pipes, reservoirs, or treatment facilities could host clusters of resilient bacteria, potentially undermining efforts to ensure clean drinking water.
Altogether, these findings point to a multifaceted problem: plastic pollution is not merely an environmental concern but a growing public health challenge. By facilitating the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics underscore the need for greater awareness, improved waste management, and ongoing scientific inquiry into how best to curb their impact on human health.
Microplastics and our health
Beyond contributing to antibiotic resistance, microplastics may also have other adverse impacts on human health. These tiny plastic fragments can infiltrate our bodies through food, air, and water, potentially carrying toxic chemicals or harmful microorganisms.
- Potential toxic effects: one review suggests that microplastics could release additives or pollutants upon entering the human body, possibly affecting hormone regulation and other biological processes.
- Microplastics in human blood: one study found microplastics in human blood samples, raising questions about whether these particles can move to various organs and tissues, potentially triggering inflammatory responses or other health issues.
- Concerns for vulnerable groups: as mentioned above, infants and young children may be especially at risk due to their level of exposure to toy plastics, behaviour, and developing immune and organ systems.
The role of water in microplastic exposure
Microplastics in tap water
Tap water is considered a significant route of microplastic exposure, with studies confirming the presence of these tiny fragments in water supplies across Europe. According to the World Health Organization, more research is needed to fully assess the potential health risks, yet existing data indicates that improvements in water treatment and waste management are essential.
Pathways of contamination
Microplastics can reach domestic water systems through sources such as runoff, inadequately treated wastewater, and ageing infrastructure—underscoring the importance of both personal and collective measures to reduce contamination.
- Runoff from plastic waste: as larger plastic debris degrades, it releases microplastic fibers and fragments into rivers and reservoirs.
- Microfibres from clothing: washing synthetic fabrics can shed microbes into wastewater, which may pass through treatment plants and ultimately end up in tap water.
- Industrial effluents: plastic manufacturing sites and various industrial processes can discharge microparticles directly into water systems if waste management and filtration measures are inadequate.
Solutions and preventive measures
Everyday changes to reduce microplastic exposure
1. Opt for natural fibres
Synthetic fabrics can release significant quantities of microplastic fibres during washing. Choosing clothing and textiles made from cotton, wool, or other natural materials helps reduce the overall presence of microplastics in wastewater.
2. Avoid excessive plastic packaging
The breakdown of larger plastic debris contributes substantially to microplastic pollution, which then spreads via runoff into waterways. Using reusable bags, bottles, and containers minimises plastic waste and lowers the risk of plastic fragments contaminating the environment.
3. Be mindful of personal care products
Many personal care items—such as exfoliating scrubs—once contained plastic microbeads. Checking product labels and opting for alternatives free from microplastics can prevent these particles from entering water systems, easing the burden on wastewater treatment plants.
4. Support legislation and responsible industry practices
Industrial processes can discharge microparticles directly into water systems when proper waste management and filtration are lacking. By advocating for stricter regulations on plastic production, tighter controls on wastewater treatment, and improved recycling infrastructure, you contribute to a collective effort to reduce microplastic pollution at its source.
5. Purify your water
Even with strong preventive measures, microplastics may still find their way into domestic water supplies. Purifying your water ensures you remove as many microplastic particles as possible before they reach your glass. This final step helps safeguard both your health and that of your household.
Water filter: a vital tool
One practical way to lower the amount of microplastics in your drinking water is by using advanced filtration methods, such as reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF), or nanofiltration (NF). These approaches can trap particles smaller than one micrometre, preventing many microplastics from reaching your glass.
How advanced filtration works
Each of these technologies relies on semi-permeable membranes that physically bar contaminants above a certain size. Studies have shown that membrane processes are effective at filtering out microplastic fragments:
- Poerio et. al found that these membrane-based methods can significantly reduce microplastic levels in treated water.
- The World Health Organization also acknowledges that advanced water treatment processes can remove most microplastics, while emphasising the need for further research on long-term health impacts.
AquaTru as a prime example
Among these systems, AquaTru serves as a noteworthy illustration of how effective water purifiers can be in tackling microplastics:
Certified performance
AquaTru’s 4-stage RO filtration has been independently certified by IAPMO to meet NSF/ANSI standards, ensuring it removes up to 99% of harmful substances, including microplastics.
Health-focused design
By delivering cleaner, purer water, AquaTru supports better hydration, enhanced detoxification, and overall well-being—critical factors given that the average adult body is about 60% water.
Environmental benefits
AquaTru is also an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water. Reducing single-use plastics can help curb plastic pollution—a key contributor to microplastic spread in both marine and freshwater environments.
Long-Term savings
With a one-off device cost and modest filter replacements, AquaTru can save families thousands of pounds yearly compared with purchasing bottled water.
Whether you choose the AquaTru Classic, the AquaTru Carafe, or the AquaTru Under Sink system, each model provides robust filtration against contaminants that affect health and well-being. For further details on AquaTru’s capabilities—particularly its effectiveness in filtering microplastics.
Microplastic pollution poses a multifaceted threat to both environmental and human health, extending beyond litter in the ocean to the water in our own homes. Studies link these microscopic particles not only to antibiotic resistance but also to other potential health impacts, including toxic chemical exposure and increased risks for infants.
Addressing microplastic pollution requires collective effort—from personal lifestyle adjustments to broader policy reforms. One of the most immediate and practical steps is investing in an effective water purification system to help ensure your drinking water is free from these tiny, potentially harmful particles. By making informed choices at both individual and community levels, we can work towards a future where clean water and a healthier environment go hand in hand.
