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Occurrence, sources, and ecological risk of microplastics in groundwater: Impacts by agricultural activities and atmospheric deposition
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in groundwater beneath Shanghai and found concentrations ranging from 3 to 99 particles per liter, with agricultural activity and atmospheric deposition identified as primary sources. The study used multiple risk indices to show that some areas had concerning levels of contamination. Since groundwater is a major drinking water source for many communities, this finding highlights a direct pathway for microplastic exposure in humans.
Although microplastic (MP) pollution in groundwater is a serious issue, its potential sources and environmental risks are poorly understood. This study identified the sources of MPs in groundwater from a megacity in China. It estimated the environmental risks of MPs using a combination of the pollution load index (PLI), the polymer hazard index (PHI), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI). The groundwater in Shanghai showed high MP abundances, ranging from 3 ± 3 particles/L to 99 ± 19 particles/L. A total of 43 polymer types were detected, of which polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the main polymer types. Groundwater in agricultural areas has the highest level of MP pollution, with >50 % of MPs being identified as PP. Plastic woven bags used in agricultural activities were the primary sources. Similar characteristics of MPs in groundwater from open wells and atmospheric deposition samples suggested that atmospheric deposition was a significant source of MPs in groundwater from open wells. Landfills and construction activities were also recognized as potential MP pollution sources in groundwater. Based on PLI, PHI and PERI analysis, the groundwater in Shanghai exhibited a high MP pollution load, a middle polymer hazard, and a high potential ecological risk level, respectively. The PERI analysis, a comprehensive assessment compared to the PLI and PHI analyses, indicated an overall high ecological risk of MPs in agricultural groundwater. This study advances the knowledge of MP sources and their ecological risks in groundwater, allowing for better MP pollution control in areas with high MP abundance and high risk levels.
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Microplastics contamination in groundwater of a drinking-water source area, northern China
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in shallow groundwater from a major drinking-water source area in northern China. The study found microplastics present in groundwater samples, with their abundance, morphology, and chemical composition varying across the study area and correlating with nearby human activities.
High abundance of microplastics in groundwater in Jiaodong Peninsula, China
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Researchers detected microplastics in groundwater at all five sampling sites in the Jiaodong Peninsula of China, with concentrations ranging from 87 to 6,832 particles per liter and averaging 2,103 particles per liter. Particles smaller than 100 micrometers accounted for over 90% of the total, and concentrations correlated with proximity to industrial and agricultural activities above ground.
Microplastics in freshwater river sediments in Shanghai, China: A case study of risk assessment in mega-cities
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Researchers characterized microplastics in freshwater river sediments across Shanghai, China, finding widespread contamination with higher concentrations near urban areas and industrial zones, dominated by fibers and fragments.
[Distribution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Soil in Danjiangkou Reservoir Area of South-to-North Water Diversion Project].
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This study characterized microplastic occurrence in four types of agricultural soil in the Danjiangkou Reservoir area of China — a critical water source for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Orchard soils had higher microplastic concentrations than paddy or dryland soils, driven by plastic mulch use and irrigation. Microplastic contamination of this major water supply raises concerns about downstream drinking water quality for millions of people.
An overview of microplastic pollution in the environment over the megacity of Shanghai during 2013–2022
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This review comprehensively examined microplastic pollution across multiple environmental matrices in Shanghai from 2013 to 2021, finding widespread contamination in water, sediment, and biota across the megacity.
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