The imaging solution allowed scientists to profile individual “nanoplastic” particles.
Nanoplastics measure less than one micrometer or less than one-seventieth the width of a human hair.
This number is far greater than a 2018 study showing the average bottle held 325 micro-particles.
The biggest issue with plastic materials is that they are constantly shedding.
The dangers microplastics pose to human health are still under investigation.
Previously developed methods to identify nanoplastics weren’t precise enough to provide an accurate number of particles.
Mounting discoveries suggest that the fragmentation of plastic polymer does not stop at the micron level.
Instead, it continues to form nanoplastic particles in quantities that are “orders of magnitude higher.”
