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Tracing the invisible along the surface-subsurface continuum: bisphenols and microplastic pollution in karst system waters
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Scientists testing cave water systems (the kind that often supplies drinking water) found BPA — a chemical linked to hormone disruption — and tiny plastic particles, with the highest contamination surprisingly found deep inside a cave rather than on the surface. This matters because many communities rely on these underground water sources for drinking water, and this study suggests pollutants can seep in and get trapped in ways we don't fully understand yet, making it harder to know how contaminated our water really is.
Bisphenols are emerging organic contaminants often released into the environment, especially in aquatic systems. Specifically, Bisphenol A (BPA) is generally used in synthetic polymers and thermal paper production, and has been found in different environments and organisms, affecting ecosystems and human life. However, bisphenol contamination in karst systems remains poorly studied, although karst groundwaters are widely exploited for drinking use. This study presents a preliminary screening of BPA, bisphenol AP (BPAP) and C (BPC) in a karst system, from surface watercourses to cave groundwaters, using the novel AptaStick system for bisphenol family. Results confirmed BPA pollution in the karst system, with highest values inside a cave. BPAP and BPC were not detected in water samples. Potential pollution sources are likely linked to diffuse anthropogenic inputs within the catchment area, combined with event-driven transport dynamics. As a potential source of BPA contamination, microplastic (MP) pollution was concurrently investigated during high-flow conditions, finding from 0 to 7.7. MPs/L. These data expand previous assessments conducted under low-flow conditions in the same karst system. Natural and regenerated microfibres (MFs) were analyzed too, finding from 0 to 136 items/L. This work wants to be a first evaluation of both bisphenol and MP pollution in karst systems, stressing the importance of monitoring pollutants in these highly vulnerable environments. Moreover, it provides a first evaluations of how pollutant distribution may vary within the different hydrological compartments of a karst system, not only between surface and groundwater environments, but also among flowing, percolation, and stagnant waters within the subterranean network. This approach contributes to a better understanding of the spatial heterogeneity and transport dynamics of emerging contaminants in karst environments, supporting the development of appropriate conservation measures for habitats and species protection, and suitable drinking water resources management.
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This Slovenian study sampled microplastics in surface waters and groundwater of the Postojna and Skocjan karst regions, including cave rivers, finding plastic particles even in underground water systems and demonstrating that microplastics penetrate into sensitive and hard-to-reach freshwater environments.
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Researchers examined microplastic pollution in karst cave systems in the Classical Karst region, finding that these underground habitats harbor significant contamination. The study suggests that vulnerable cave-dwelling species may be consuming microplastics, which could undermine conservation efforts for protected groundwater ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Microplastic pollution in vulnerable karst environments: case study from the Slovenian classical karst region
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Researchers sampled karst springs, caves, and other habitats in Slovenia's classical karst region and detected microplastics across multiple sites, including springs used for drinking water, raising concerns about plastic contamination of these ecologically sensitive and hydrologically connected underground environments.
The problem of anthropogenic microfibres in karst systems: Assessment of water and submerged sediments
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Researchers assessed anthropogenic microfiber contamination in karst cave systems by analyzing water and submerged sediment samples. They found that both synthetic and natural microfibres were widespread throughout the karst environments, with sediments accumulating higher concentrations than water samples. The study raises concerns about microfiber pollution reaching underground water systems that serve as important drinking water reserves.
Falling from the ceiling: first evidence of microplastic and microfibre pollution in cave dripping waters
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Researchers tested water dripping inside a cave for tiny plastic and fibre particles. Most particles found were cellulose fibres, but plastic fragments made of PET and polyurethane were also present, ranging from 0 to 23 pieces per liter. The findings suggest surface pollution, such as nearby landfills and roads, may reach underground cave water.
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