Microplastics in Bottled Water: Insights and Solutions

Mitra Nikpay
33 minutes ago
2 min read

Article by Dr.-Ing. Mitra Nikpay.

Plastics have revolutionized industries worldwide thanks to their durability, light weight, and cost-effectiveness. Yet, their widespread use has contributed to the pollution of our water systems. Over time, plastics can break down into microplastics smaller than 5 mm, either through mechanical wear or industrial production, which may accumulate in water resources or be released during the packaging of water and beverages. Understanding the extent and sources of this contamination is critical, though global knowledge remains limited.

A recent study by Camilleri et al. (2025) investigated microplastics in bottled drinking water produced and sold in Malta. Researchers examined five brands, using filtration, Nile red staining, and fluorescence microscopy to detect and quantify microplastics.

Key Results (adopted from Camilleri et al. 2025)

Prevalence: 84% of bottled water samples contained microplastics, a statistically significant finding.
Concentration: Average microplastic levels were 35,877 ± 23,542 particles per litre, with particle sizes ranging from 1.45 µm to 80 µm.
Particle Size: Most particles were very small, averaging 2.37 µm, and over 95% were ≤5 µm.
Morphology: Among 50 larger particles analysed with Raman spectroscopy, most were fragments, with a smaller portion identified as fibres.

Estimating the Sources of Microplastics

Based on the polymer types identified in the study, we estimated the likely sources of microplastic contamination. The results indicate that the majority of microplastics do not come from the bottle itself but from external sources, such as filtration materials, water treatment components, and bottling machinery. Bottle caps contributed a smaller, though still significant, portion of the microplastics.

**Estimated Sources of Microplastics, data adopted from Camilleri et al. (2025)**

Microplastic Size Distribution

The particle size distribution according to Camilleri et al. (2025) reveals that most microplastics are extremely small. Over 95% of particles measured ≤5 µm, with the largest particle detected at 80 µm. The smallest particles, around 1.45 µm, make up the largest portion of the contamination, highlighting that most microplastics are invisible to the naked eye but dominate numerically.

Why This Matters

These findings highlight that microplastics in bottled water are primarily small particles and largely originate from production and treatment processes, rather than the water itself. Understanding their sources and sizes is essential for:

Improving bottle cap and packaging design
Upgrading filtration and treatment systems
Reducing microplastic contamination at its origin

Moving Forward

Our estimations provide a foundation for targeted interventions to reduce microplastic contamination in bottled water. By focusing on the most significant contributors, producers, regulators, and researchers can make informed decisions to safeguard consumers.

One promising approach is SATOORNIK Gen-I, which achieves over 99% efficiency. Our advanced devices can separate microplastics from water before bottling while maintaining the water’s natural composition and quality. Technologies like Gen-I series offer a practical solution for bottlers aiming to deliver cleaner, safer water without altering its taste, mineral content, or freshness.

By combining improved process monitoring, innovative filtration solutions, and technologies like SATOORNIK, the bottled water industry can move toward significantly reducing microplastic contamination, thereby protecting both consumers and the environment.

Reference: Camilleri, J., Agius Anastasi, A., and Briffa, S.M., 2025. Detection, Quantification, and Characterisation of Microplastics in Maltese Bottled Water. Microplastics, 4(4), p.88.