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Baseline Assessment of Microplastic Occurrence in Groundwater from Alluvial and Karst Aquifers
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Scientists tested groundwater from underground aquifers in Slovenia, the same types of water sources many communities rely on for drinking water, and found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in nearly every sample tested. This matters because it shows that microplastics aren't just in oceans and rivers; they're making their way into the water beneath our feet, which could eventually end up in our taps, though more research is needed to understand what levels of exposure mean for our health.
The occurrence of microplastics in groundwater remains insufficiently documented, particularly across contrasting hydrogeological settings. This study provides the first baseline assessment of microplastic contamination in Slovenian groundwater by comparing its occurrence in urban alluvial and karst aquifers, which represent important drinking-water resources in Slovenia. Groundwater was sampled at 19 sites (8 alluvial, 11 karst) using a large-volume in situ filtration system, with three 1 m3 replicates collected at each site. Polymer composition was confirmed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Microplastics were detected at nearly all sampling sites, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 13.33 particles/m3 (mean: 4.65 particles/m3). Although no statistically significant differences in microplastic occurrence were observed between aquifer types at the available sample size, average concentrations were slightly higher in alluvial aquifers, whereas karst systems showed greater site-level variability. Differences in particle characteristics were observed between aquifer types, with fragments predominating in alluvial aquifers, and fibres and larger particles proportionally more abundant in karst springs. These patterns are consistent with differences in groundwater flow and filtration processes between karst and alluvial aquifers. Polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the most frequently identified polymers across all samples. Correlations between microplastic concentrations and selected water-quality parameters, particularly temperature and nitrate, were identified. Overall, the results emphasise the relevance of hydrogeological context for interpreting microplastic occurrence in groundwater and provide baseline information to support future monitoring efforts.
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