We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Distribution characteristics of microplastics and potentially toxic elements as co-contaminants in groundwater in mid-Brahmaputra Valley, northeastern India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics and toxic heavy metals contaminating groundwater in the Brahmaputra Valley of northeastern India, with polypropylene being the most common plastic type detected. The microplastics appeared to absorb heavy metals onto their surfaces, creating a combined pollution threat, and cancer risk assessments showed that about a third of samples posed potential health risks to children. This study demonstrates that even underground water sources used for drinking are not safe from microplastic contamination.
Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater, and its contamination by microplastics (MPs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a growing concern. This study explores the occurrence and associated ecological and health risks of MP-PTE co-contamination in groundwater in the mid-Brahmaputra Valley, India. A total of 169 MPs, derived from polyamides, polyacetonitrile, polyethylene, polymethacrylates, polypropylene and polyvinylchlorides, were identified in 21 samples. Polypropylene MPs (41%) were the most abundant while polymethacrylate MPs (8%) were found to be the most hazardous, both ranking in hazard category V. The samples also contained elevated levels of Fe, Mn and Pb, with 26% of samples exceeding permissible limits. Spectroscopic analysis confirmed PTE adsorption onto MP surfaces suggesting a synergistic contamination mechanism. Risk assessment based on incremental lifetime cancer risk showed that 33% of samples posed potential risks to children and none for adults. Non-carcinogenic risks via oral intake were observed in 76% of samples for children and 24% for adults. Sites were categorized into four pollution-based clusters using hierarchical clustering. The PTE index rated 70% of samples as excellent, 25% as poor to very poor and 5% as unsuitable for drinking. These findings underscore the importance of integrated pollution control, reduced plastic usage and improved waste management strategies. Further research is needed to explore the long-term fate of MPs and their role in contaminant transportation under varying environmental conditions.
More Papers Like This
Hazardous microplastic characteristics and its role as a vector of heavy metal in groundwater and surface water of coastal south India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first baseline study of microplastics in groundwater and surface water along coastal south India and tested how different plastic polymers absorb heavy metals. They found microplastics at concentrations up to 19.9 particles per liter, with polypropylene showing the highest capacity to adsorb toxic metals like cadmium and manganese. The findings suggest microplastics may act as significant carriers of heavy metals through water systems, raising concerns about contamination of drinking water sources.
Contamination, morphological and chemical characterization, and hazard risk analyses of microplastics in drinking water sourced from groundwater in a developing nation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed groundwater from six coastal districts in a developing nation and found widespread microplastic contamination, with fibers and fragments of polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common types. Since groundwater is the primary drinking water source in many developing countries, this contamination represents a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion by millions of people.
Geospatial analysis and environmental risk assessment of microplastic (MP) pollution in hydro-environment of the Morwa River Catchment area, Uttar Pradesh, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studying a river system in India found tiny plastic particles (mostly a common plastic called polyethylene) not just in surface water, but also in groundwater—the water source many people rely on for drinking. This matters because groundwater is often assumed to be naturally filtered and safe, so finding microplastics there suggests our drinking water sources may be more vulnerable to plastic contamination than we thought. The researchers also suggest safer, biodegradable plastic alternatives that could help reduce this kind of pollution going forward.
Distribution, Sources, and Heavy Metal Interactions of Microplastics in Groundwater and Sediment of Semi‐Arid Regions of Northwest India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics at every sampling location in groundwater and sediment in a semi-arid region of northwest India, with concentrations reaching up to 122 particles per liter in well water. The groundwater also contained dangerously high levels of arsenic and manganese, and while a direct link between microplastics and heavy metals was not confirmed in water samples, electron microscopy showed heavy metal particles attached to microplastic surfaces in sediment.
Occurrence of microplastics in groundwater used for drinking in hard rock aquifers of Eastern Karnataka, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in drinking-water samples from 25 deep borewells (60–100 m) drilled into granite and gneiss formations in rural Karnataka, India, identifying up to 3 particles per litre composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PET, and polyamide—highlighting MP contamination even in hard-rock aquifers far from obvious plastic sources.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.