Today we answer a question from a fan in Ukraine: Can reverse osmosis membranes remove microplastics and PFAS?

To be honest, this is the first time I’ve paid close attention to these two substances. So I did some research.

Microplastics come from daily things like synthetic fiber clothes, all kinds of plastic containers and packaging, worn plastic from car tires and artificial grass. We meet microplastics everywhere in daily life.

PFAS are found in non-stick cookware, oil-proof takeaway food packages, waterproof jackets, long-lasting waterproof makeup, and other daily products made water-proof and oil-proof. We also easily come into contact with PFAS every day.

Basically, both of these two substances are man-made. People create them for easier daily life. But after a long cycle, these substances finally enter our water.

Drinking water with these substances will not cause direct serious health problems right away, but it is definitely bad for our bodies.

So can reverse osmosis membranes do the job and remove them?

For long-chain PFAS: the removal rate can reach 94%~99% or higher. But a tiny amount of ultra-short-chain PFAS (very small molecules) may pass through the membrane.

For microplastics of micron and submicron sizes: the removal rate is over 99%. Most nano microplastics can also be blocked.

In short, reverse osmosis membranes can remove these two substances.

Okay, that’s all for today. See you next time!