Microplastics can get into our food and water in several different ways, mostly because they are so small and widespread in the environment. Once they are in the air, soil, or water, it becomes easier for them to enter the food chain—sometimes even before we realize it.

In food, microplastics have been found in items like seafood, salt, fruits, vegetables, and even honey. One of the biggest sources is seafood, especially shellfish and small fish that can accidentally eat plastic particles in the ocean. When we eat these animals, we may also consume the microplastics they have inside them. Fruits and vegetables can also absorb tiny particles from the soil or water used to grow them, and some studies suggest plastic mulch used in farming might add microplastics to crops.

In water, both bottled and tap sources have been shown to contain microplastics. Bottled water often picks up plastic particles from the container itself, especially when bottles are exposed to heat. Tap water can contain microplastics from pipes, old plumbing, or particles that weren’t fully removed during water treatment.

Even food packaging can contribute. Plastic containers, wrappers, and utensils can shed tiny bits of plastic, especially when they’re heated or scratched. Over time, these small pieces can end up in the food we eat or the drinks we consume. Because plastics are used in so many parts of modern life, it’s hard to avoid them completely—but being aware of these sources can help us make more informed choices.

Yes, microplastics have been found in many types of bottled water and other packaged drinks. In fact, several studies have shown that bottled water often contains more microplastics than tap water. These tiny plastic particles can come from the bottle itself, the cap, or the manufacturing and bottling process.

Most bottled water is stored in plastic containers made from materials like PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Over time, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, these bottles can begin to shed tiny plastic fragments into the water. Opening and closing the cap can also release small particles from the cap’s plastic or the seal inside.

In some cases, microplastics may also come from the air inside the bottling facility or from equipment used to process and package the drinks. That means even drinks that aren’t water—like soda, juice, or sports drinks—can contain microplastics if they are stored or processed in plastic containers.

While scientists are still studying what health risks these particles may pose when consumed, the presence of microplastics in bottled drinks shows just how widespread plastic pollution has become. Choosing reusable glass or stainless steel containers and avoiding single-use plastics when possible may help reduce exposure.

Some common water filters can remove microplastics from tap water, but not all filters are equally effective. The ability of a filter to trap microplastics depends on its design and the size of the particles it can catch.

Many basic pitcher-style filters—like those that use activated carbon—are great for improving taste and removing chlorine, but they may not catch very small plastic particles. To effectively remove microplastics, a filter usually needs a finer mesh or advanced technology, such as:

• Carbon block filters with very small pore sizes

• Ceramic filters, which can trap small particles due to their fine structure

• Reverse osmosis systems, which are among the most effective at removing tiny contaminants, including many microplastics

• Ultrafiltration systems, which use membranes to block particles down to very small sizes

It’s also worth noting that while some filters can reduce microplastics, they might not eliminate all of them—especially the tiniest ones, known as nanoplastics. If removing microplastics is your main goal, it’s important to check the filter’s specifications and look for systems tested for particle removal in the micron or sub-micron range.

Using a high-quality filter can be a helpful step in reducing microplastic exposure from tap water, especially when combined with other efforts to cut down on plastic use in the home.

Certain foods are more likely to contain microplastics because of how they are grown, processed, or where they come from. Seafood is one of the most well-known examples. Many fish and shellfish—especially those that live near the ocean floor or filter large amounts of water, like mussels, clams, and oysters—can accidentally eat microplastics floating in the water. When we eat these animals, we may also be eating the plastic particles inside them.

Salt is another common food found to contain microplastics. Sea salt, which is made by evaporating seawater, can collect plastic particles that were floating in the ocean. Studies have found microplastics in table salt from many different countries.

Fruits and vegetables can also contain microplastics, although in smaller amounts. These particles may come from plastic-contaminated soil or water used during farming. Some researchers have found traces of plastic in produce like apples, carrots, and lettuce, possibly absorbed through tiny cracks in roots or stems.

Other sources include honey, sugar, and even beer, which can be affected by plastic particles in the environment or packaging. Processed foods that come in plastic wrappers or containers might also pick up tiny particles during manufacturing or storage.

While scientists are still studying how much plastic we actually consume through food, being mindful of packaging and choosing fresh, minimally processed options when possible may help reduce exposure.

Cooking or washing food can help reduce some surface contaminants, but it is unlikely to remove most microplastics—especially those that are already inside the food. Microplastics are very small, and if they’ve been absorbed into the tissues of plants or animals, rinsing or boiling won’t be enough to get rid of them.

Washing fruits and vegetables can remove dirt, pesticides, and some surface-level plastic particles that may have settled from air or water. Using a brush and running water may help reduce this external contamination, but it won’t remove microplastics that have entered the plant through the soil or irrigation water.

Similarly, cooking fish or shellfish does not destroy microplastics inside them. These plastics are resistant to heat and don’t break down at normal cooking temperatures. In fact, some cooking methods—like heating food in plastic containers or using plastic utensils—might add even more plastic particles if the plastic breaks down under heat.

While good food hygiene is always important, avoiding microplastics may rely more on long-term habits, like reducing plastic packaging, choosing whole foods over heavily processed ones, and using glass or stainless steel when storing or preparing meals.

Research suggests that fruits and vegetables can absorb microplastics from soil or water, although the exact amount and impact are still being studied. When microplastics are present in the environment—especially in agricultural soil or irrigation water—plants may take up tiny plastic particles through their roots.

Some studies have shown that nanoplastics, which are even smaller than microplastics, can travel from the roots into the stems, leaves, and possibly even the edible parts of plants. This means that crops like lettuce, carrots, apples, and wheat could potentially contain tiny plastic particles by the time they reach your plate.

Microplastics can enter the soil in several ways, including the use of plastic mulch on farms, compost or fertilizers made with plastic-contaminated waste, and irrigation with polluted water. Over time, these particles may build up in farming environments and increase the risk of plant absorption.

While more research is needed to fully understand how much plastic ends up in fruits and vegetables and what health risks it may pose, the idea that plants can absorb microplastics highlights how widespread plastic pollution has become. It also shows the importance of improving farming practices and reducing plastic use in the food supply chain.

Seafood is considered a major source of microplastic exposure, especially for people who eat it regularly. Many marine animals—including fish, shellfish, and crustaceans—can accidentally ingest microplastics that are floating in the ocean or resting on the sea floor. These plastics may come from larger debris that has broken down or from tiny particles already present in the water.

Shellfish like mussels, clams, and oysters are particularly high-risk because they are filter feeders. This means they constantly strain large amounts of water to collect food, which also increases their chances of picking up microplastics. Since we often eat these animals whole—including their digestive systems—we’re more likely to consume the microplastics they contain.

Fish can also ingest microplastics, especially smaller species or those that feed near the surface or ocean floor. In most cases, the highest concentrations are found in the gut, which is usually removed before cooking. However, smaller fish or processed fish products may still contain tiny plastic particles.

In addition to the plastic itself, microplastics can carry toxic chemicals that stick to their surfaces. These chemicals can accumulate in the tissues of sea animals and may enter the human body through seafood consumption. While scientists are still working to understand the full health impact, seafood remains one of the most direct ways that microplastics can enter our diet.

Farming practices can contribute to microplastic contamination in several ways, mostly through the use of plastic materials and the recycling of waste products that contain plastics. Over time, these materials can break down and release tiny plastic particles into the soil, water, and even the crops themselves.

One common source is plastic mulch, which is a thin plastic sheet laid over soil to control weeds and retain moisture. While useful for crop growth, these sheets can tear, degrade in the sun, and shed microplastics into the soil. Some pieces may remain in the field even after the plastic is removed, adding to long-term pollution.

Another contributor is biosolid fertilizer, which is made from treated sewage sludge. This sludge often contains microplastics from household wastewater—such as fibers from washing synthetic clothes or particles from personal care products. When applied to farmland, biosolids can introduce a large number of microplastics into the soil.

Plastic irrigation pipes, seed coatings, greenhouse films, and packaging materials used in agriculture can also release small plastic fragments as they wear down over time. Even compost made with contaminated food waste or packaging can be a source.

Once microplastics are in the soil, they can affect soil health, enter nearby water sources through runoff, or be taken up by plants. These practices highlight the need for more sustainable farming solutions, such as biodegradable materials and better waste filtering, to reduce the spread of microplastic pollution in agriculture.

Organic or locally grown foods may reduce some exposure to microplastics, but they are not completely free from contamination. While these farming methods often avoid synthetic chemicals and focus on sustainable practices, they can still be affected by microplastics in the environment.

Organic farms typically avoid using plastic-based pesticides and fertilizers, but they may still use plastic mulch or rely on irrigation water that contains microplastics. If they use compost or manure from outside sources, these too might carry microplastics—especially if the compost includes food packaging or household waste. So while organic food may involve fewer direct plastic inputs, it’s still possible for microplastics to enter through soil, air, or water.

Locally grown foods might have some advantages because they usually travel shorter distances, reducing the need for plastic packaging and storage. Less handling and transportation can mean fewer chances for contamination during processing. Local farms may also use more traditional or small-scale growing methods that rely less on plastic-based tools. However, if the local environment is already polluted or if plastic materials are used in the farming process, microplastics can still be present.

In short, organic and local foods can be part of a strategy to reduce microplastic exposure, but they are not guaranteed to be plastic-free. Broader solutions—like reducing plastic use in agriculture, improving soil and water quality, and limiting plastic packaging—are needed to make a bigger impact.