Study of Microplastic Particles in a Fissure–Karst Aquifer, Zvenigorod, Russia

The growth of plastic production, the majority (~54%) of which are disposable goods, and the lack of effective plastic waste management have led to a global problem of environmental pollution with polymers. Microplastic particles (<5 mm in size) and nanoplastic particles (<100 nm in size) have been found in all environments and even in living organisms. Most studies have focused on microplastics in surface waters, but polymer particles have also been found in groundwater. The paper gives a summary of current studies aimed at analyzing groundwater pollution with microplastic particles. The results of microplastic analysis of a sample from the Podolsk-Myachkovsky aquifer near the Zvenigorod Biological Station are presented. Visual analysis was performed using an Olympus BX53M optical microscope, and the chemical composition of the polymers was determined using an EnSpectr 532 Raman spectrometer. Identification revealed the presence of various polymers: polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and polyimide. Phenol-formaldehyde and polyterpene resins, various copolymers were also identified. Analysis of the chemical composition of the particles revealed a significant proportion of natural polymers among potential polymers, which are cellulose and the biodegradable polymer zein. Microplastics are represented by fragments, microfibers, and films, which indicate contamination of groundwater with secondary microplastics. The concentration of identified particles was 2 pcs/L.