Microplastics have become a significant contaminant in the oceans, food, and possibly drinking water. The problem of how to deal with these dangerous particles is becoming even more important today. Although boiling water seems to be a sufficient solution to the problem, the use of Reverse osmosis (RO) is even better. In this blog, you'll learn how reverse osmosis filters microplastics, how it differs from boiling water, and why it's better to buy a reverse osmosis system for your home.
Boiling water: A simple but effective method
Boiling water has been considered one of the simplest and most effective methods of water treatment for many years. This ancient, simple method, passed down from generation to generation, has been used in various cultures to provide safe drinking water. New research has shown that it is also effective in combating today's pollution problems, including microplastics. Boiling tap water for at least five minutes can remove up to 90% of microplastics. The heat causes some of the plastic particles to expand, while others sink to the bottom of the water, reducing the risk of ingestion.
There are even more reasons why boiling water is effective and simple. It's a cheap method that doesn't require expensive filters or machines. In households that don't have access to filtration systems, boiling water is an easy way to improve water quality. Boiling also kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, making it a useful technique in dealing with biohazards.
However, boiling water has some disadvantages, and one of the biggest is that it's not very practical for regular use. The method requires boiling water, which is time-consuming and energy-consuming, as the water must be heated to its boiling point. After boiling, the water must cool to a drinkable temperature, which also takes time. This can be quite frustrating, especially for large families or when water is needed at all times.
Boiling water also doesn't solve the water problem. First, as mentioned above, microplastics and biological contaminants are eliminated, but other hazardous substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, or chemicals are not removed. In fact, boiling water also removes some contaminants such as lead or nitrates, as the water evaporates and the remaining contaminants concentrate. Furthermore, boiling water doesn't change the taste, color, or odor of the water, which can be a problem with drinking water.
In summary, boiling water is still an effective and convenient method for initial water treatment to ensure water purity, although it does not match the detailed and stable results provided by modern water filtration systems, including reverse osmosis. Given the increasing complexity of environmental issues, it can be argued that boiling water may no longer be sufficient to make water safe and of high quality for drinking.
Can reverse osmosis remove microplastics?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most advanced techniques used in modern water treatment for removing microplastics and a wide range of other contaminants. In reverse osmosis, water is pressurized, forcing it to pass through a membrane that prevents any elements larger than 0.0001 micrometers from passing through. Since microplastics are typically larger than 5 micrometers, this system completely removes them.
In addition to microplastics, reverse osmosis systems can also remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, and chemical pollutants. Reverse osmosis is a very thorough filtration process and is therefore recommended for households that want 100% safe drinking water.
Advantages of reverse osmosis for removing microplastics
1. Exceptional filtration: The reverse osmosis systems filter out not only microplastics but also other harmful particles, thus improving water quality.
2. Convenience: While boiling is a constant process, RO systems are always on, delivering purified water whenever it is needed.
3. Environmentally friendly: Some of the advanced systems, such as the Frizzlife water filter, have high water efficiency and thus reduce water consumption.
Why reverse osmosis instead of boiling water?
Heating water to boiling point is perhaps one of the most commonly used methods for water purification, and while it's basic and effective, it does have its drawbacks. This is why reverse osmosis is a better and more effective water purification system. For this reason, most households should prefer reverse osmosis to boiling water:
Easy to use
Boiling water is not an easy task; it requires time, effort, and patience. Purifying water by boiling requires bringing it to a boiling point, and that doesn't happen overnight. Once the water reaches its boiling point, you also need to allow it to cool before you can use it, which can be quite tedious if you're in a hurry and need water.
Modern reverse osmosis (RO) systems, like Frizzlife's water filters, are very easy to use. Once installed, these systems provide filtered water every time you press a button. This makes the RO water purification system so efficient, as you can get purified water anytime, without having to wait for the water to boil or cool. There's no need to check the water temperature or overboil it, wasting energy.
Water quality
Boiling water can be used to boil certain substances (e.g.Some plastics (e.g., bacteria and some microplastics) are removed, but others are not. For example, boiling water does not remove heavy metals, chemicals, and chlorine. In fact, boiling introduces more of these pollutants into the water as they remain in the water and evaporate. Furthermore, reheating may also help break down larger plastic particles, but it does not necessarily help filter the existing microplastics from the water, nor does it significantly improve the taste or quality of the water.
Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, is a complete filtration process that filters out not only bacteria and viruses, but also other contaminants. The reverse osmosis system features a semi-permeable membrane that filters out particles as small as 0.0001 micrometers, removing microplastics, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and chemical contaminants to deliver safe water. The Frizzlife water filter filters out not only microplastics, but also chlorine, sediment, and other dissolved solids that can alter the taste, safety, and quality of water.
Reverse osmosis systems also remove contaminants that cannot be removed by boiling, thus improving the quality of the water in terms of taste and color.
Economic value
At first glance, boiling water seems quite cheap, but it's not as cheap as it seems. Boiling water is an energy-intensive process, and the costs can add up depending on how often and how much water you boil. Additionally, boiling water doesn't remove all contaminants, so sometimes you need bottled water for a higher level of purification or to be safe. This can also drive up costs in the long run.
On the other hand, using a reverse osmosis system is cost-effective in the long run. While reverse osmosis systems are more expensive to set up and purchase than the boiling water method, the benefits you'll reap in the future are quite impressive. One of the advantages of reverse osmosis systems is that, once installed, they don't require energy to boil water. They provide purified water, eliminating the need to purchase bottled water, which is expensive and harmful to the environment. In the long run, RO systems are not only cost-effective but also help minimize damage to the environment.
Consistency and reliability
Boiling water is a temporary solution, but it's not as permanent as reverse osmosis. The boiling process is subjective and depends on human intervention to ensure the water is boiled long enough. However, boiling cannot remove all types of contaminants, including heavy metals, which even boiling cannot remove.
Reverse osmosis systems, on the other hand, are capable of continuously delivering purified water. Reverse osmosis systems are self-regulating, so it's not possible to have bad water one day and good water the next.They filter all incoming water through a very effective multi-stage filtration system so that every drop of water is clean.
Impact on the environment
Boiling water isn't without cost, as it requires energy. And if your energy source is a problem, it can also increase your carbon footprint. Boiling water on the stove or with an electric kettle consumes resources that could have been saved. Because boiling doesn't fully purify water, you may need to bottle it, which in turn creates more plastic waste. The impact of plastic doesn't end with the production and transportation of bottled water; it also extends to its disposal.
Reverse osmosis systems, on the other hand, can help you minimize your use of plastic. Having a reverse osmosis system eliminates the need to buy bottled water. This reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, as well as the resources used to produce and transport bottled water. The long-term costs and benefits of reverse osmosis systems are enough to encourage people to use them.
Health benefits
Boiling water is one of the most effective ways to eliminate bacteria and pathogens, but it cannot eliminate chemicals, metals, or plastics. Exposure to these substances over time leads to adverse effects such as heavy metal poisoning, organ dysfunction, or developmental delays in children. Boiling water also does not eliminate dissolved chemicals or contaminants that can be harmful over time. Similarly, reverse osmosis systems offer health benefits beyond filtering out pathogens. Reverse osmosis systems filter out heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other toxins such as chlorine, making the water safe for drinking. Reverse osmosis also filters microplastics from the water, reducing the long-term risk of exposure to these particles.
How to choose the right reverse osmosis system
When choosing the right reverse osmosis system for microplastic removal, the following factors must be considered: Filtration capacity: Choose a system with a high filtration capacity that can filter out microplastics, metals, bacteria, and other contaminants. System quality: Opt for systems with high-quality membranes and filters capable of removing microplastics and other hazardous substances. Filter maintenance and replacement: Choose a system that is relatively easy to clean and maintain and has replaceable filters. This helps maintain the system's efficiency at all times. Cost: While these systems may be expensive, they are worth the money because they are durable and serve the purpose of providing users with healthy water, eliminating the need to purchase bottled water and thus reducing costs in the long run. Water recovery rate: Compare the water recovery rates of the systems to find out how much water is saved and thus reduce the water bill.Flow rate: If you use a lot of water, you should choose a system with a flow rate that matches your home's needs. Certifications and Warranty: Make sure the system is approved by reputable organizations like NSF and comes with a solid warranty to give users confidence. By analyzing the above factors, you can choose the most effective reverse osmosis system for home use to obtain purified water that is free of microplastics.
Recommended reverse osmosis systems
PD800-TAM4
- Advanced filtration: Filters out up to 99.99% of contaminants such as microplastics, heavy metals and chlorine and balances the pH of the water to more than 7.5.
- Water Efficiency: With a low 2:1 drain ratio, this system can save water up to eight times more than conventional systems.
- High Capacity: This system can produce 800 gallons of filtered water per day and fill an 8-ounce cup in 7 seconds.
- Smart monitoring: With real-time TDS measurement, filter status display and an easy twist function for filter changes.
- Tankless design: Avoids messes, saves 70% space under the sink and is ideal for DIY installation.
PX500-A
l Superior Filtration: Filters out 99.99% of fluoride, lead, and limescale, and also adds minerals to make the water alkaline.
- Tankless efficiency: It can save up to 60% space under the sink, does not contaminate the water twice, and is suitable for connection to a refrigerator.
- Quick installation: The integrated design requires fewer connections, making it easier to install the system without leaks.
- Quick maintenance: Change indicators show when the filters need to be replaced, and this can be done in seconds.
- Environmentally friendly: The system has a low drain ratio of 1.5:1, which means it saves over 450% water.
Both systems effectively deliver clean, mineral-rich water, providing a healthier and more environmentally friendly water system for your home.
Conclusion
In the fight against microplastics, reverse osmosis is the winner because it offers the best filtration and is very convenient. While boiling water has its uses, reverse osmosis systems are the perfect solution because they remove not only microplastics but also heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria. More advanced systems like the Frizzlife PD800-TAM4 and PX500-A not only filter water but do so in an environmentally friendly, economical, and fast way. By choosing a reverse osmosis system, you and your family will have clean, healthy, and safe drinking water that also tastes better, while trying to reduce your impact on the environment.
FAQ
Can boiling water completely remove microplastics?
Boiling water can reduce microplastics by about 90%, but it cannot remove all microplastics or other hazardous substances such as heavy metals or chemicals.
How does reverse osmosis compare to boiling water in removing microplastics?
Reverse osmosis is much more effective because it filters 99.99% of microplastics and other particles through a semi-permeable membrane, while boiling water only partially filters out the contaminants.
Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink?
Yes, reverse osmosis water is safe to drink because it is filtered through a reverse osmosis system that can filter out microplastics, heavy metals, and other organisms.
Are reverse osmosis systems expensive to maintain?
It's relatively inexpensive and only requires occasional filter changes. It's inexpensive because the filters don't need to be replaced constantly, and the benefits of drinking filtered water and the savings from not buying bottled water are worth it.
Does reverse osmosis waste a lot of water?
Modern reverse osmosis systems, such as Frizzlife, have low water consumption, which reduces water consumption compared to previous systems.