Does Brita Remove Microplastics?

Last updated: March 2026

The Short Answer

Sort of — but probably not reliably, and Brita makes no certification claims about it.

Brita pitcher filters use activated carbon granules and a mesh screen. The mesh could physically trap some larger microplastic particles. But Brita does not claim to remove microplastics, holds no NSF certification for microplastic removal, and the filter is not designed for this purpose.

More importantly: the most concerning microplastics — nanoplastics smaller than 1 micrometer — pass right through activated carbon beds entirely. A 2024 Columbia University study that found 240,000 nanoplastic particles per liter of bottled water used methods that could detect these tiny particles that older research couldn't see. Standard filters don't address them.

What We Know About Brita and Microplastics

There is limited independent research specifically testing Brita pitchers for microplastic removal. Here's what we know:

The Pore Size Problem

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters (5,000 micrometers). They range down to 1 micrometer in size. Nanoplastics are even smaller — below 1 micrometer (1,000 nanometers) down to a few nanometers.

Brita's filter mesh is typically around 50 micrometers. This means:

• ✅ Large microplastics (>50 µm) — may be trapped by the mesh
• ⚠️ Medium microplastics (1–50 µm) — inconsistent, largely pass through
• ❌ Small microplastics (<1 µm) and nanoplastics — pass through entirely

The problem is that the most harmful microplastics are the smallest ones — nanoplastics that can cross cell membranes and accumulate in organs. These are precisely what Brita does nothing to remove.

A Note on Brita's Own Filter Material

There's an ironic concern: some researchers have noted that old or degrading plastic components in pitcher filters (the plastic housing, the filter cartridge itself) could potentially shed microplastics into the filtered water. This hasn't been demonstrated specifically for Brita, but it's a consideration for any plastic-based filtration product. Replacing filters on schedule and replacing pitchers that show cracks or wear is good practice.

What Are Microplastics? Sizes, Types, and Sources

Microplastics aren't a single substance — they're a category that includes many different types of plastic in many different sizes:

Size Categories

• Macroplastics: Visible plastic debris (>5 mm) — not a drinking water concern
• Microplastics: 1 µm to 5 mm — the category most people think of
• Nanoplastics: <1 µm — most recently studied, potentially most concerning for health

Where Microplastics in Tap Water Come From

• Water treatment and distribution pipes: PVC and other plastic pipes used in water distribution can shed particles, particularly as they age
• Industrial and agricultural runoff: Plastic debris that has broken down in the environment enters source water
• Atmospheric deposition: Microplastic fibers fall from the air into reservoirs and surface water
• Wastewater treatment: Not all microplastics are captured in wastewater treatment; some pass through into surface water
• Synthetic textiles: Washing synthetic clothing releases plastic fibers that pass through municipal treatment

How Common Are Microplastics in U.S. Tap Water?

Microplastics have been found in virtually every tap water sample where researchers have specifically looked for them. Key findings:

• A 2017 Orb Media study found microplastic contamination in 83% of tap water samples globally; the U.S. had one of the highest rates at 94% of samples tested.
• A 2019 WHO review noted that microplastics are widespread in tap water but concluded the health risk is unclear given current research gaps.
• Most U.S. tap water microplastics are fibers from synthetic textiles — consistent with what's found in wastewater treatment effluent.
• Microplastic concentrations vary widely by location, source water type (surface vs. groundwater), and treatment methods.

Checking the EWG Tap Water Database won't show you microplastic data — utilities are not yet required to report microplastic levels under EPA rules. This is an emerging area of regulation.

Health Effects of Microplastics: What the Science Says

This is genuinely an evolving area of science. Here's an honest summary of the state of evidence in 2026:

What's Been Found

• Microplastics and nanoplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, breast milk, stool, and — in a 2024 study — in human heart tissue and arterial plaques.
• A 2024 study in New England Journal of Medicine found patients with microplastics in arterial plaques had significantly higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and death at 3-year follow-up compared to those without.
• Animal studies show microplastics cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ damage at high concentrations.
• Nanoplastics can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier in laboratory models.

What's Still Uncertain

• What concentration of microplastics causes harm in humans — current levels in drinking water may be below a threshold of concern, but that threshold is unknown
• Whether the microplastics themselves are the problem or the chemicals they absorb and transport (PFAS and other pollutants adsorb onto plastic surfaces)
• Long-term accumulation effects — plastics build up in the body over decades

Our Assessment

The scientific consensus is that microplastics are ubiquitous, are accumulating in human bodies, and the 2024 cardiovascular findings are concerning — though not yet definitive. Given this, a precautionary approach to reducing microplastic ingestion seems prudent, particularly for pregnant women, children, and those with existing health conditions.

A properly rated RO system may substantially reduce many microplastics from drinking water while also addressing PFAS, lead, and other documented contaminants. The case for RO filtration has never been stronger.

Why Bottled Water Is Actually Worse for Microplastics

Many people switch to bottled water thinking it's safer. For microplastics, it's actually the opposite:

• A 2024 Columbia University study found an average of 240,000 nanoplastic particles per liter in bottled water — compared to roughly 5–10 per liter in some tap water samples
• The plastic bottle itself is the primary source — bottles shed nanoplastics into the water, especially when exposed to heat or UV light (like in a car or warm storage)
• The plastic cap, the interior bottle lining, and the bottling process all contribute microplastics

This is a compelling argument: if you're drinking bottled water to avoid microplastics, you're consuming far more microplastics than if you drank filtered tap water from a reverse osmosis system.

Filter Technologies That Reliably Remove Microplastics

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) — Best Overall

Microplastic reduction: high with appropriately rated membranes

RO membranes have pore sizes of approximately 0.0001 micrometers (0.1 nanometers) — orders of magnitude smaller than even the smallest nanoplastics. Properly maintained RO can be highly effective under rated conditions at removing microplastics and nanoplastics from drinking water. This is the one of the strongest point-of-use options. See our RO system recommendations →

2. Ultrafiltration (UF) Membranes

Microplastic removal: 90–99%

UF membranes with pore sizes of 0.01–0.1 micrometers remove most microplastics but may allow very small nanoplastics through. Better than pitcher filters, not quite as comprehensive as RO.

3. Certified Pitcher Filters (LifeStraw, Clearly Filtered)

Microplastic removal: Varies, but certified

LifeStraw Home pitcher filter uses hollow fiber membrane technology and is specifically certified to remove microplastics. Clearly Filtered is certified for microplastic removal as well. These are significantly more effective than Brita for microplastics, though not as comprehensive as RO.

4. Standard Activated Carbon Pitchers (Brita, PUR)

Microplastic removal: Not certified, unreliable

May trap some large microplastic fragments physically, but not reliable for the smaller particles that are most concerning. Not certified for microplastic removal.

Best Filters for Microplastic Removal

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