A recent study by Columbia and Rutgers universities discovered that store-bought bottled water contains significantly more plastic particles than previously believed.

The researchers used a new microscopy technique called stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and found an average of 240,000 plastic particles per liter of water, 90% of which were classified as nanoplastics.

The most common types of plastic found were nylon and polyamide, indicating contamination during the filling and purification process.

Another study also found high levels of plastic particles, including nanoplastics, in bottled water in the US and Portugal.

90% of common protein sources consumed by humans were found to contain microplastics.

Exposure to plastics is believed to increase the risk of various health issues, although the health implications are still under investigation.

The studies underline the need for further research, minimizing plastic waste, reducing overall plastic use, and developing safer plastics.

The study calls for further collaboration and policy action to limit plastic production.

Over 170 nations are currently negotiating a treaty to address the global plastic crisis.