Microplastic Density Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the microplastic density calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Microplastic Concentration
particles_per_liter = concentrationEst. Daily Particle Intake
daily_intake = concentration * daily_water_litersEst. Annual Particle Intake
annual_intake = concentration * daily_water_liters * 365Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
particle_count | Particles Found in Sample | 50 |
sample_volume_liters | Sample Volume(liters) | 1 |
daily_water_liters | Daily Water Intake(liters) | 2 |
concentration | Derived value= particle_count / sample_volume_liters | calculated |
How It Works
Microplastic Contamination in Water
Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm found in oceans, rivers, drinking water, and even the air.
Formula
Concentration (particles/L) = Particle Count / Sample Volume (L)
Daily Intake = Concentration x Daily Water Consumption
Studies have found 0-60 particles per liter in tap water and up to 300+ particles per liter in bottled water. The health effects of microplastic ingestion are still being researched.
Worked Example
A 1-liter water sample contains 50 microplastic particles. You drink 2 liters per day.
particle_count = 50sample_volume_liters = 1daily_water_liters = 2
- 01Concentration = 50 / 1 = 50 particles/liter
- 02Daily intake = 50 x 2 = 100 particles/day
- 03Annual intake = 100 x 365 = 36,500 particles/year
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Microplastic Density Calculator