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Does Berkey Filter Microplastics?
If you own some Berkey water filters or are thinking about getting some, you likely have one big question: Does Berkey filter microplastics?
The short answer is: It depends on which filters are sitting inside your stainless steel tank.
For years, Berkey users only had one main option. That option was the standard Black Berkey elements. But recently, a new player has entered the mix. This new option is the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filter.
Here is the definitive breakdown of how each filter handles microplastics based on the latest reports.
Key Takeaways
- Check Your Filter: If you have the Phoenix Gravity filters, you have verified 99.9% microplastic removal.
- BB9 is Safe Too: If you have the classic Black Berkey elements, the science of pore size strongly suggests they remove microplastics.
- Size Matters: Microplastics are huge compared to the tiny pores of Berkey filters.
- Upgrade Option: If you want certified peace of mind, the Phoenix Gravity elements are a great upgrade.
Does A Berkey Water Filter Remove Microplastics? The Short Answer
If you have the new Phoenix Gravity Filters: YES. These are tested to remove 99.9% of microplastics.
If you have the standard Black Berkey (BB9) Filters: HIGHLY LIKELY. They are not specifically certified for microplastics. However, their pore size is microscopic enough to theoretically block them.
1. The New Standard: Phoenix Gravity Filters
If you purchased a Berkey recently or bought replacements, you might have the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition elements. These are officially endorsed by New Millennium Concepts (the makers of Berkey) as a direct alternative to the classic BB9 elements.
Unlike the older filters, these have specific data regarding microplastics.
The Data: Independent lab testing for the Phoenix Gravity elements confirms they remove over 99.9% of microplastics from tap water.
These filters use a dense coconut shell carbon block. This structure creates a physical barrier. It is too tight for microplastic fibers to pass through. They are also tested to reduce other contaminants like PFAS and pharmaceuticals.
Note: If you are using these filters, you can be confident that plastic fibers are being removed from your drinking water.
2. The Classic: Black Berkey (BB9) Elements
For those with the classic Black Berkey elements, the situation is slightly different. Berkey has not released a specific certificate for "microplastics" for these specific filters.
The Science (The "Tennis Net" Theory): Even without a specific certificate, the physics suggest these filters work.
- Microplastic Size: Most microplastics in tap water are roughly 3 microns or larger.
- BB9 Filter Pore Size: The Black Berkey elements are tested to trap viruses as small as 0.024 microns.
The filter pores are thousands of times smaller than a piece of microplastic. The plastic physically cannot fit through the filter. It is like trying to throw a basketball through a tennis net. It just bounces off.
Berkey Phoenix Gravity vs. Black Berkey
Phoenix Gravity |
Black Berkey (BB9) |
|
| Microplastic Removal | Verified 99.9% | Inferred (Theoretical) |
| Primary Technology | Coconut Carbon Block | Proprietary Media Blend |
| PFAS / Forever Chemicals | Tested to reduce/remove | Tested to reduce/remove |
| Official Status | Endorsed Alternative | Standard Original |
What Exactly Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters long. In your tap water, they primarily come from:
- Synthetic fibers: Tiny threads shed from clothing like fleece or polyester during washing.
- Degradation: Larger plastics like bottles breaking down into smaller bits over time.
- Tire Particles: Rubber debris from roads washing into water supplies.
While health effects are still being researched, studies have found these particles in drinking water globally.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the new Phoenix filters fit my old Berkey?
Yes. The Phoenix Gravity filters are designed to be a direct fit for all Berkey gravity systems. You install them exactly the same way in the upper chamber.
Why doesn't the Black Berkey have a microplastic certification?
Berkey typically runs independent tests rather than paying for specific NSF certifications. They rely on their virus removal test results to prove the filter is tight enough to stop larger particles like plastic.
How often should I change these filters?
For the Phoenix Gravity elements, the recommendation is generally every 6,000 gallons per pair. This varies depending on your water quality.
Do these filters remove beneficial minerals?
No. Both the Phoenix and Black Berkey filters are designed to leave beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water while removing contaminants.
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