Brewing tea removes lead from water
Briefly

The article discusses a study examining the effectiveness of various tea types and bag materials in adsorbing toxic metals from water. Researchers found that cellulose tea bags were most effective, while cotton and nylon bags were less effective and could release microplastics. The type of tea and its grind level also influenced adsorbing capabilities, with finely ground black tea leaves performing best. The study revealed that longer steeping times enhance metal adsorption, indicating that brewing tea for three to five minutes can significantly reduce lead concentrations in water, showcasing tea's potential as a filter for contaminants.
The type of tea bag matters; cellulose tea bags effectively adsorb toxic metals from water, while cotton and nylon bags perform poorly and can release microplastics.
Finely ground black tea leaves excel in adsorbing toxic metals, as their wrinkled processing increases surface area, enhancing binding capacity.
Longer steeping times yield higher toxic metal adsorption; brewing with a tea bag for three to five minutes can reduce lead levels in water by about 15 percent.
The study highlights that steeping tea not only enhances flavor but can also significantly impact the removal of contaminants from drinking water.
Read at Ars Technica
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