We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Migration characteristics of microplastics in riparian soils and groundwater
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how microplastics migrate from riparian soils into groundwater along the Jiuxi River in Xiamen, China. The study found microplastics present in all soil, groundwater, and river water samples, with soil acting as an intercepting barrier that affects the abundance and characteristics of particles reaching groundwater, and upstream sections showing higher contamination than downstream.
Investigations have revealed the presence of microplastics in both soil and groundwater, but the migration characteristics from soil to groundwater remain incompletely understood. In this study, two sampling sections consisting of soil-groundwater-river water were established near Lianxi Bridge and Xilin Bridge along the Jiuxi River in Xiamen. A total of 22 soil samples, 36 groundwater samples, and 18 river water samples were collected. Microplastics were detected in all samples with an abundance range of 392-836 n/kg in soil (mean, 655 ± 177 n/kg), 0.58-2.48 n/L groundwater (mean, 1.23 ± 0.42 n/L), and 0.38-1.80 n/L in river water (mean, 0.86 ± 0.41 n/L). Flakes predominantly constituted the shape of microplastics found in soil, while fibers dominated those present in water. Black, yellow, and red were the dominant color types. Polyamide (PA) and polyethylene (PE) were the main components of microplastics within soils, whereas polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and PA prevailed within water. Microplastic particle sizes ranged from 39 to 2498 μm in soils, mainly from 29 to 3394 μm in water. The upstream section displayed higher abundances of microplastic compared to the downstream, revealing the soil particles having an intercepting effect on microplastics. The distribution and migration of microplastics in soil and groundwater are affected by many factors, including natural and anthropogenic factors, such as soil depth, soil properties, pore structure, hydrodynamics, hydraulic connections between groundwater and surface water, the extensive utilization and disposal of plastics, irrational exploitation of groundwater, and morphology and types of microplastics. These research findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathways, migration capacity, and influencing factors associated with microplastic entry into groundwater, thereby providing valuable technical support for the development of strategies aimed at controlling microplastic pollution.
More Papers Like This
Deep transport potential of microplastics in estuarine riparian soils: coupled controls of pore structure, hydrodynamics, and interfacial adhesion
AI summary Read the abstract
Soil samples from riverbank areas along China's Huangpu and Yangtze Rivers were analyzed for microplastics at different depths. Microplastic amounts increased and particle sizes shrank deeper in the soil, with soil pore structure and water flow patterns affecting how far the particles traveled, suggesting possible pathways toward deeper soil and groundwater.
The Source, Distribution Characteristics,and Migration Behavior of Microplastic Pollutionin Soil Environment in China: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics enter Chinese soils — mainly through plastic mulch films, sewage irrigation, and fertilizer application — and how they migrate through soil layers while carrying other pollutants with them. The review highlights that China's intensive agricultural practices make its soils among the most microplastic-contaminated on Earth, with implications for food safety and groundwater quality.
Microplastic contamination is ubiquitous in riparian soils and strongly related to elevation, precipitation and population density
AI summary Read the abstract
Soil samples along the Yangtze River showed microplastics were present at all sites (mean 3,877 items/kg), with subsoils containing more than topsoils, polyamide as the dominant polymer (32%), and contamination strongly correlated with population density, precipitation, and elevation.
Deposition and in-situ translocation of microplastics in floodplain soils
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of microplastic deposition and in-situ vertical translocation in floodplain soils found that flooding events deposit microplastics from river water onto floodplain surfaces, and that subsequent rainfall and bioturbation can move particles downward through the soil profile.
Identifying the sources, migration and risks of microplastics in soil ecosystem along urban-rural landscape
AI summary Read the abstract
This Chinese-language review systematically examined the sources, migration pathways, and ecological and health risks of microplastics in soils across urban and rural landscapes. The authors call for better understanding of microplastic material flows and fate in agricultural and residential soils to protect both soil ecosystems and human health.
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.