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Occurrence of microplastics in groundwater used for drinking in hard rock aquifers of Eastern Karnataka, India
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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.
Micro-and nanoplastic contaminants have been widely reported in oceans, rivers, soils, and shallow aquifers in sedimentary environments, as well as in hard-rock areas.In the present study, we report their presence in groundwater from hard rock (granite and gneiss) formations in the eastern part of Karnataka at depths of 60-100 m or more.Plastic particles have been detected in drinking water from borewells in rural areas.For the study, we sampled groundwater from 25 borewells in 18 localities.Up to three microplastic (MP) particles per litre have been identified in the collected samples.94% of MPs are in the size range of 20-1000 m.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that the MPs are low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyamide.It is of interest that no polyvinyl chloride particles were encountered in the samples, despite the borewells having polyvinyl chloride piping.This preliminary study highlights the presence of MPs in hard-rock aquifers at considerable depths.The need for routine monitoring of MPs in groundwater used for drinking and for plastic waste management in rural environments is suggested.
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