How Microplastics Are Filtered from Water: Smart Technology
Microplastics are everywhere in our environment. Although their presence in drinking water is making headlines more frequently, there is still a great deal of uncertainty about how these tiny particles can be removed.
Can a standard water pitcher filter microplastics from water, or does it require advanced filtration technology? Thanks to modern purification techniques, it is now entirely possible to enjoy microplastic-free drinking water at the office, at school, or at home.
In this article, we explain how microplastics end up in tap water, which filtration systems are truly effective, and how innovative technology can remove even the smallest particles.
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How Do Microplastics End Up in Tap Water and Drinking Water?
To understand how filtration works, it is important to first understand where microplastics in water come from. Plastic particles are generally divided into two categories:
- Primary microplastics: Tiny plastic particles intentionally added to personal care products or used in industrial applications.
- Secondary microplastics: Particles formed through the breakdown, wear, and weathering of larger plastic items such as clothing fibers, car tires, and packaging materials.
Through rainfall, soil, and rivers, these particles eventually enter the environment. Although drinking water companies in Belgium thoroughly treat both groundwater and surface water, ultrafine plastic particles can still remain in drinking water.
Contamination does not occur only at the source. Bottled water in PET bottles often contains significantly more plastic particles due to friction from the bottle cap and wear of the bottle itself. Read more in our article: Does Bottled Water Contain More Microplastics Than Tap Water?
Health Risks of Microplastics in Water
Concerns about microplastics in tap water and bottled water are not limited to the plastic particles themselves, but increasingly focus on nanoplastics (particles smaller than 1 micrometer).
Because these particles are so incredibly small, they may be able to pass through cell membranes in the gastrointestinal tract and penetrate deeper into the human body.
Plastic Particles in the Bloodstream
Scientific research has now confirmed that these particles do not remain confined to the digestive system. A groundbreaking study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam found plastic particles in the blood of 17 out of 22 participants.
In a VRT NWS article on microplastics in the bloodstream, Professor Jana Asselman (Ghent University) explains that we are exposed to plastic in countless ways every day:
"You are exposed to particles from plastic bottles, food containers, even the air you breathe. Every time you twist the cap off a bottle of soda, friction releases plastic particles."
What Does the World Health Organization (WHO) Say?
Although the long-term health effects are still being studied, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for more in-depth research into human exposure to microplastics through food, inhalation, and drinking water.
Since scientists have not yet established what level of plastic particle intake can be considered safe, businesses, schools, and households are increasingly taking a preventive approach by investing in certified drinking water filtration systems.
How Do You Remove Microplastics from Drinking Water?
Not every water filter removes microplastics with the same effectiveness. Performance depends largely on the pore size of the filtration membrane.
A standard water filter pitcher with pore sizes larger than 5 µm captures only the largest microplastic particles, providing limited reduction while preserving the water's natural minerals.
Reverse osmosis systems use extremely fine membranes with pore sizes of approximately 0.0001 µm, removing more than 99.9% of microplastics. However, this process also removes nearly all naturally occurring minerals from the water.
The AQUALEX Submicron Water Filter (NSF 401) features a 0.2 µm membrane and removes more than 99.999% of microplastics (LOG5 reduction) while preserving beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Water Filter Pitchers vs. Tap Water Filters for Microplastic Removal
Traditional water filter pitchers primarily use basic activated carbon filters to reduce limescale and chlorine taste. Their filter pores are generally too large (over 5 micrometers) to effectively capture fine plastic particles, allowing many microplastics to pass through.
Professional tap water filters and permanently installed drinking water systems operate under higher pressure and use much denser filtration membranes, enabling significantly more reliable purification.
Reverse Osmosis vs. Submicron Filtration for Removing Microplastics
Reverse osmosis systems remove virtually every particle from drinking water. However, they also strip away all naturally occurring minerals, including calcium and magnesium, and typically generate substantial amounts of wastewater.
Submicron filtration with a 0.2-micron membrane offers an optimal balance. It physically blocks microplastics, nanoplastics, and bacteria while preserving the healthy minerals naturally present in drinking water.
The Power of Smart Technology: How AQUALEX Filtration Works
To deliver drinking water free from microplastics directly from the tap, AQUALEX uses a patented, high-performance filtration system with three layers of protection.
- NSF 401 Certified Technology: The AQUALEX drinking water filter is certified to NSF 401, the highest international standard for removing emerging contaminants such as microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and pesticides.
- Submicron Membrane (0.2 µm): Thanks to proprietary precoat technology, particles as small as 0.2 microns (0.0002 mm) are physically retained, achieving a LOG5 bacterial reduction of 99.999%.
- Triple Active Protection
- Activated Carbon: Absorbs unwanted odors and unpleasant tastes, including chlorine.
- Agion® Silver Ions: Eliminate bacteria present in the filter and permanently trap them, preventing them from reaching your glass.
- Precoat Membrane: Blocks rust, sediment, and all physical plastic particles.
Would you like to enjoy this technology at home? Discover the benefits of an innovative drinking water tap that delivers chilled, sparkling, and filtered water directly from your kitchen faucet.
Real-World Proof: How Hospitals, Hotels, and Schools Keep Microplastics Out
The effectiveness of advanced tap water filtration is demonstrated every day by leading organizations that rely on AQUALEX technology, including hospitals, hotels, schools, and workplaces.
1. UVC Brugmann: Medical-Grade Safety with Zero Tolerance for Contamination
In a hospital environment, drinking water quality is of critical importance. At UVC Brugmann Hospital in Brussels, strict hygiene standards apply. The hospital explicitly identified filtration quality as one of the four key reasons for choosing AQUALEX.
If 0.2 µm submicron filtration meets the rigorous requirements of a hospital, it also provides offices and other professional environments with an exceptional level of water purity.
Dominique Mutembe, Executive Purchasing Officer at UVC Brugmann, explains:
"When selecting a new supplier, Brugmann faced an important decision. After careful evaluation based on four key criteria—price, service, filtration quality, and the management platform—we ultimately chose AQUALEX. What made the difference was not only AQUALEX's reliability, but also its energy-efficient and quiet water systems."
Read more about UVC Brugmann's experience with AQUALEX water filtration.
2. Thon Hotels: Reducing Microplastics While Promoting Reusable Water Bottles
Hotel chain Thon Hotels replaced thousands of single-use plastic water bottles with stylish AQUALEX drinking water taps. Guests can now refill their reusable bottles with freshly filtered water in the hotel lobby and breakfast area.
Nicoleta Manea, Marketing Manager at Thon Hotels, explains:
"In the lobby, guests can easily refill their travel bottles before heading out. This encourages them to use reusable water bottles, saves our staff the time of restocking and displaying bottled water, and helps us reduce plastic waste. The water taps are first and foremost an environmentally conscious choice, but they also contribute to guest satisfaction. There is still much work to be done, but we are taking it step by step—for the health of our planet and for future generations."
Read the full case study on how Thon Hotels is embracing sustainable drinking water taps.
3. Pius X Kortrijk: Protecting Students from Single-Use Plastic
At Pius X Primary School in Kortrijk, health and sustainability are at the heart of everyday school life. With wall-mounted drinking water stations throughout the school, students are encouraged to refill their own reusable water bottles, giving them access to clean, filtered water without relying on single-use plastic packaging.
Desmet from Pius X Primary School explains how the system works in practice:
"The water bottles go with the students not only to class but also during lunch breaks. Every classroom has a Curver storage box where children can safely keep their bottles. That way, they don't have to carry them while playing outside. Every student has their own bottle, which is neatly stored on the racks in the hallways. Whenever they're thirsty, they simply take their bottle, refill it, and place it back in the box."
Discover how Pius X Kortrijk has embraced sustainable drinking water stations, and learn why using a reusable water bottle is a practical way to reduce plastic waste and limit exposure to microplastics.
Choose Guaranteed Pure Drinking Water with Advanced Filtration Technology
Removing microplastics from drinking water requires more than a standard water filter pitcher. By combining 0.2 µm submicron filtration, activated carbon, and NSF 401-certified technology, you can enjoy safe, mineral-rich, chilled, or sparkling tap water every day.
With AQUALEX's advanced water filtration technology and sustainable drinking water systems—tailored to your home, office, or school—you can significantly reduce exposure to microplastics while eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.
Looking for an Advanced Drinking Water System for Your Home or Organization?
Request a no-obligation quote or explore the full range of AQUALEX drinking water systems with advanced filtration.
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