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Microplastics contamination in Isinuka springs and CO 2 -seeping freshwater systems in South Africa: a baseline study
Summary
Scientists tested South Africa's sacred Isinuka springs and nearby CO2-rich streams, waters used for drinking, healing, and spiritual practices, and found tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) at every single site tested. The most-visited sacred spring actually had the highest plastic levels, suggesting human activity is contaminating these waters long thought to be pure; since people regularly drink and bathe in this water, the health effects of ingesting these plastic particles deserve closer study.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is increasingly being reported in freshwater ecosystems, yet culturally significant and geochemically unique systems remain poorly studied. This study provides baseline evidence of MP contamination in South Africa’s sacred freshwater systems, specifically Isinuka springs and CO2-seeping freshwater systems along the Bongwana Fault. Surface water samples were collected from nine sites, including Isinuka springs (four sites; n = 4) and CO2-seeping freshwater systems (five sites; n = 5). Microplastics were found at all sites, with abundances ranging from 5 to 48 particles I−1 (average ≈ 20.4 particles I−1). Transparent MP particles were the most common colour (38.6%), fibres/filaments were the dominant shape (69.6%), particles ≥ 20 µm accounted for the highest proportion by size (51.1%), and polypropylene (PP) was the most frequently identified polymer (38%). A variety of MP patterns were observed, with the highest number of MP particles found at the most intensively used sacred site (Isinuka spring; Site 1). These findings highlight that sacred freshwater systems, often regarded as pristine due to their cultural and traditional significance, are vulnerable to MP contamination, with potential ecological, cultural and public health implications for communities that rely on these waters for drinking, healing and spiritual practices. This study provides essential baseline data and underscores the need for wider MP monitoring in South African sacred freshwater systems, including sediments and biota, while also emphasising the importance of combining scientific approaches with cultural management and community awareness to protect these sacred waters from MP pollution.