We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic transport and ecological risk in coastal intruded aquifers based on a coupled seawater intrusion and microplastic risk assessment model
AI summary Read the abstract
Using a coupled seawater intrusion and microplastic transport model, researchers analyzed how saltwater-freshwater dynamics in Laizhou Bay coastal aquifers drive microplastic contamination. Seawater intrusion events significantly enhanced microplastic migration into coastal groundwater, with risk assessment indicating elevated ecological hazard in affected aquifer zones.
Seawater-groundwater interactions can enhance the migration process of microplastics to coastal aquifers, posing increased associated environmental risks. Here, we aim to analyze the relationship between seawater intrusion (SWI) and groundwater microplastic pollution in Laizhou Bay (LZB), which is a typical area of sea-land interactions. The results showed that modern seawater intrusion was the main process controlling the migration of microplastics. The detected microplastics in the study area showed a migration pattern from nearshore marine areas to groundwater aquifers along the SWI direction. In addition, the microplastics also reached the brine formed by palaeo-saltwater intrusion through hydraulic exchange between aquifers. By comparing the spatial distributions of different microplastic parameters, we found that nearshore fisheries, commercial, tourism, textile, and agricultural activities were the main sources of microplastics in groundwater in the study area. A risk assessment model of microplastics associated with SWI was further optimized in this study using a three-level classification system by assigning appropriate weights to different potential influencing factors. The results showed moderate comprehensive ecological risks associated with microplastics from seawater intrusion in the study area, with high microplastic enrichment risks. This study provides a scientific basis for future research on seawater-groundwater interactions and microplastic pollution in coastal regions.
More Papers Like This
Marine microplastics enhance release of arsenic in coastal aquifer during seawater intrusion process
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that marine microplastics carried by seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers enhanced arsenic release from sediments, with negatively charged microplastics competing with arsenate for adsorption sites on iron minerals. The study identifies a new environmental risk from the interaction of two major coastal contaminants.
A review of the influence mechanisms of climate-induced events on groundwater microplastic contamination: A focus on aquifer vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This narrative review examines how climate change events — floods, droughts, sea level rise, and heat waves — are influencing the transport and accumulation of microplastics in groundwater and freshwater aquifers. Flooding emerged as the most significant driver, flushing surface microplastics into subsurface environments, which is alarming because groundwater is a primary drinking water source for billions of people globally.
Modeling the spatiotemporal distribution, bioaccumulation, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled the spatiotemporal distribution and ecological risk of microplastics across a coastal marine environment, incorporating hydrodynamic data and bioaccumulation factors for multiple species. The model predicted highest microplastic concentrations near urban outflows with risk extending through the food web.
Microplastic flux through submarine groundwater discharge in a subterranean estuary of Southwest India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic flux through submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in a subterranean estuary on the southwest coast of India, identifying this previously overlooked pathway as a conduit for microplastic transport to the marine environment. The study found that SGD delivers substantial quantities of microplastics to coastal waters, with fluxes influenced by tidal dynamics and the mixing of terrestrial groundwater with saline porewater.
First insight into microplastic groundwater pollution in Latin America: the case of a coastal aquifer in Northwest Mexico
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic pollution in groundwater in Latin America, analyzing six capped boreholes in a coastal aquifer in northwest Mexico for microplastic abundance, concentration, and characteristics. The study detected microplastics in groundwater samples, establishing baseline contamination data for this understudied environmental compartment and raising concerns about drinking water quality in the region.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.