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Microplastic characteristics, transport, risks, and remediation in groundwater: a review
Summary
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in groundwater, finding concentrations up to 6,832 particles per liter from sources including landfills, agriculture, and atmospheric deposition, and reporting that membrane filtration technologies such as reverse osmosis can achieve 93–99% microplastic removal.
Contamination of groundwater by microplastics is a major health concern because groundwater is a major source of drinking and agricultural water. Here, we review microplastics with focus on contamination sources, characteristics, migration, water quality, ecological and health risks, and preventive and removal strategies. Contamination sources include landfills, waste dump leachates, wastewater treatment plants, industrial waste streams, land use, agriculture, urban and residential activities, and atmospheric transport and runoff. Contamination levels reach up to 6,832 microplastics per liter of groundwater. Membrane technologies, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis, achieve 93–99% removal of microplastics.