What Is Reverse Osmosis, And How Does It Filter Microplastics?

What is reverse osmosis?

Osmosis is the natural tendency for a less concentrated solution to migrate to a solution with a higher concentration.

{{osmosis-diagram}}

The process of osmosis is a fundamental feature present in all life forms aiding their ability to absorb or keep out food or contaminants at the cellular level.

The opposite of this process, reverse osmosis, occurs when energy is applied to the concentrated solution, forcing water molecules through a semipermeable membrane to produce uncontaminated water.

{{reverse-osmosis-diagram}}

By utilizing a pump to apply high pressure to the incoming feed water, reverse osmosis water filters can remove heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted particles, including microplastics. This method is far more effective than standard carbon filtration you will find in fridge-stored water filters such as Brita or Zerowater pitcher filters, which don’t actively remove the smallest particles including microplastics.

{{what-are-microplastics-and-their-health-effects-on-humans}}

How to remove microplastics from drinking water using reverse osmosis.

If your goal is to remove microplastics from your drinking water, you need to invest in a quality reverse osmosis filter. By using these filters, you will guarantee microplastic filtration at the very end of the water transportation process, which is important because all drinking water will eventually be contaminated before reaching your house.

These filters come in two categories, under-the-sink and countertop variations, both of which are capable of removing microplastics. Under the sink filters can provide whole house reverse osmosis system benefits while a countertop reverse osmosis water filter might be better for apartments or travel.

{{countertop-vs-undersink-ro-filter-diagram}}

{{top-3-countertop-reverse-osmosis-microplastic-water-filters-in-2024}}

{{top-3-under-sink-reverse-osmosis-microplastic-water-filters-in-2024}}

How to keep your water microplastic-free after filtration.

Once you have invested in a good reverse osmosis water filtration system, you then need to be sure you aren’t reintroducing microplastics into your filtered water. This can be done by carefully choosing your reusable water bottles made from stainless steel and glass. 

You can read more about our selection of recommended plastic-free water bottles in our article.

{{top-8-plastic-free-water-bottles-to-ditch-microplastics-in-2024}}

Conclusion

If you are interested in finding out more ways to reduce your microplastic exposure through your water, air, food, clothing and more, refer to our guide on going microplastic free.

{{going-microplastic-free-guide}}