Public awareness of microplastic contamination in drinking water has grown alongside concern about PFAS. Both contaminants are found in many tap water supplies, raising the question of whether a single filtration system can effectively address both simultaneously.
Physical Size Difference
Microplastics detected in drinking water typically range from 1 to 500 microns in size — far larger than PFAS molecules at sub-nanometer scale. This size difference means that membrane technologies able to remove PFAS are more than sufficient to block microplastics, while technologies sized for microplastic removal (such as standard ceramic filters or 1-micron sediment filters) cannot address PFAS.
Reverse Osmosis: Dual Removal
RO membranes with 0.0001-micron pore sizes effectively remove both microplastics and PFAS in a single treatment stage. Studies have confirmed near-complete microplastic removal by RO membranes. For households concerned about both contaminants, an NSF-certified RO system is the most efficient solution.
Carbon Block for Microplastics
Dense carbon block filters with sub-micron ratings also show good microplastic removal while simultaneously providing PFAS reduction through adsorption. However, unlike RO which physically excludes particles of all sizes above its pore threshold, carbon block microplastic performance depends on the block density and flow rate. At higher flow rates, breakthrough of smaller microplastic fragments may occur. Combined carbon-plus-RO systems provide the most comprehensive protection for households with both contamination concerns.