Defined as a small piece of plastic lower than 5mm, microplastics have become an increasing cause of environmental concern in recent years. They either originate from larger plastics that have been broken down or are additives in products such as paint, toothpaste, cosmetics or synthetic fibres.
Carried in water, microplastics do not degrade and are sadly found everywhere; in our waterways, our rivers and seas and even carried to the extremes of the earth in falling snow. It is estimated that 11 million metric tons enter our oceans every year and that figure continues to rise. They pose a serious threat to our delicate ecosystem and to our planet.
While the destructive potential of microplastics is well documented, less clear is the risk to human harm. Microplastics have been found in fruit, vegetables and fish and in processed drinks such as beers and wines.
They can also appear in potable and bottled water.
Some studies have shown that microplastics can find their way into the human body and cause damage to cells and immune systems, but the science is not certain.
What is certain is that the World Health Organisation is calling for more research. Regulatory bodies such as the NSF are extending the scope of drinking water standards such as NSF/ANSI 401 to factor in microplastics.
Everpure Precoat filters provide barrier from microplastics
Everpure has long been synonymous with the ultimate in drinking water treatment.
This year Pentair has been extensively testing its Precoat and Bacteriostatic filter family to ensure that they can meet, and exceed, the filtration levels required to remove microplastics from drinking water. Today, Pentair can reconfirm that it’s premium Everpure filters, AC², 4C², MC² and XC², can comprehensively mitigate the risk of microplastics being present in treated water. This is particularly good news for manufacturers and operators of point-of-use and point-of-entry systems, where these Everpure Precoat filters are most widely used.
Point-of-use systems safer than ever, with Everpure Precoat
Salvatore di Festa is responsible for point-of-use water treatment at Pentair Europe, and explained the significance for this sector. “Point-of-use drinking water dispensing systems are a massive and growing market,” explained Salvatore. “It is driven by the demand for healthy hydration at home, at work and at leisure. The consumption of treated water on tap rather than bottled means less handling, less cost and a lower carbon footprint.
It is why industry analysts forecast 15% growth in demand for POU systems by 2026, to match the 15% growth in the last five years. These systems also remove single-use plastic bottles from circulation which is better for the environment. According to our estimation, Pentair filtration alone has removed over 7.7 billion plastic water bottles from production.
Precoat and Bacteriostatic filters provide peace of mind for POU water systems
“Our flagship Everpure Precoat filters have always set the bar high but it is good to have it confirmed that they can tackle the risks posed by microplastics,” continued Salvatore. “The smallest microplastics are defined as one micron. Everpure Precoat submicron technology filters out particles as small as 0.2 micron.
These filters already conform to the NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53. We are now confident in seeking certification for ‘NSF/ANSI 401 – Emerging Compounds/Incidental Contaminants’, the standard which addresses the ability of a water filter to deal with lesser understood contaminants – such as microplastics. They also feature AgION antimicrobial protection which inhibits any potential bacterial growth, meaning that water they treat is as safe as it can be.”
Pentair Everpure, water treatment for every age
Pentair has always been focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive. Microplastics in water is a relatively recent issue and one that we must all take very seriously. It seems fitting that Everpure, a brand celebrating 90 years in 2023, has evolved to deal with today’s problems and will remain the benchmark for quality and reliability in water treatment in the future.
Contact us to find out more about the premium Everpure filters, AC², 4C², MC² and XC² we can offer you.
mail@ultimatewater.co.za
