Water Container Contamination

[iMi]

I have setup a plastic storage Sterilite container as a repository for pre-mixed, pre-heated salt water for water changes. It's a basic, gray container with a lid you'd find at your local Target store. It has occurred to me but storing water this way could potentially lead to unwanted contaminants leaching from the plastic. I don't know what the composition of this plastic bin, but if I were to guess, I'd say it's PVC with ABS.

Is this a valid concern?

Is there anything harmful that could leach into the water?

Is this a potential problem even with a short-term storage? Say week or two?

If this is a problem, what are some suggested alternatives?

 

[Falcar]

I've always used brute trashcans. What size of the container are you wanting to use?

 

[iMi]

I've always used brute trashcans. What size of the container are you wanting to use?

Thanks for your input, but it doesn't answer any of the questions I've asked.

 

[Jekyl]

Try to find out if what you have is food grade or not. If not that usually means there can be leeching involved.

 

[kaylajoy]

Look on the bottom of the sterilite container, is there a recycling symbol? What is it? There should be something that tells the type of plastic. If it's food safe it's probably fine.

 

[iMi]

Look on the bottom of the sterilite container, is there a recycling symbol? What is it? There should be something that tells the type of plastic. If it's food safe it's probably fine.

You're a genius!

There is a symbol. Recycle with a 5 inside it. It also says PP below the symbol. Below that it says 1731N3-C. Do you know what all this means?

 

[N.Sreefer]

Abs doesnt leach anything into water I know that 100% don't know about pvc but plenty of people use pvc on their tanks.

 

[Jekyl]

Polypropylene. You're good

 

[ATB USA]

According to their website:
A: Our products are made of polypropylene and polyethylene that are safe for food storage. No PVCs, Latex, Teflon, Phthalates chemicals, fungicides, Bishphenol A (BPAs), or antibacterial chemicals are used in our manufacturing process.

 

[iMi]

Thank you, everyone. Awesome. I googled it, too. More info for anyone else wondering about this very same issue. The smell is what made me concerned, but it turns out it is safe.

Is Polypropylene Safe and BPA Free?

Polypropylene, a complex plastic, is generally considered safe for humans. It’s FDA-approved for food contact and is often used for containers like those that hold yogurt and butter products.

www.healthline.com