We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Clogging risk of microplastics particles in porous media during artificial recharge: a laboratory experiment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted laboratory experiments to assess the clogging risk that microplastic particles pose to porous media during managed aquifer recharge, a common groundwater replenishment technique. They found that most microplastics were intercepted in the surface layer of sand columns, with smaller particles causing more severe clogging and reduced hydraulic conductivity. The study suggests that microplastics entering groundwater recharge systems could compromise aquifer performance over time.
Management aquifer recharge (MAR) technology is widely applied to solve seawater intrusion caused by groundwater overexploitation in coastal areas. However, MAR creates an important pathway for microplastics (particle size< 5 mm) to enter groundwater. To explore the clogging potential of microplastics in aquifer media, a series of laboratory-scale column experiments were conducted in this study. The hydraulic conductivity of porous media and deposition amount of microplastics were investigated under different experimental conditions. In our study, most of the microplastics were intercepted in the sand column’s surface layer. The difference of particle size in porous media greatly influence the clogging development. The hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer media decreased as the microplastic particle size decreased. When the particle size of microplastic was larger than 300 mm, most of the microplastics deposits on the surface of the porous media, forming a “microplastic accumulation layer”. Microplastics are affected by particle size, flow shear stress and preferential flow during migration. The migration ability of microplastics increased significantly with the increase of hydraulic head difference and decreased with the increase of sand column depth. The bacteria microorganisms are projected to be a new biological control strategy in conjunction with MAR. The study of clogging risk of microplastics particles in porous media during artificial recharge provides novel and unique insights for the management and control of microplastic pollution in groundwater systems.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic removal in managed aquifer recharge using wastewater effluent
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how effectively a managed aquifer recharge system using wastewater effluent removes microplastics as water filters through different layers of natural materials. They found that the reactive barriers significantly reduced microplastic concentrations, with removal efficiency depending on the type of barrier material and depth. The study suggests that managed aquifer recharge can serve as an additional treatment step for reducing microplastic contamination in recycled water.
Microplastic retention within infiltration basins used for managed aquifer recharge: Effectiveness and key controlling factors
AI summary Read the abstract
When water soaks into the ground to refill underground water supplies (a process called managed aquifer recharge), scientists found that the top layer of sediment acts like a natural filter, trapping about 70% of microplastic particles before they can reach deeper groundwater. This matters because it suggests these recharge systems can help keep our drinking water sources cleaner, though the amount of filtering depended on how long water sat in the basin and other site conditions—meaning not all systems may work equally well.
Quantifying the self-purification efficiency of interfaces involved during natural and artificial aquifer recharges: Microplastic Transfer Through Infiltration Practices and Their Impacts on the Ecological Functioning of Water-Sediment Interface and Groundwater Quality
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified the self-purification efficiency of water-sediment interfaces during natural and artificial aquifer recharge, investigating how microplastics transfer through infiltration practices and impact the ecological functioning of these interfaces and groundwater quality. The study examined the mechanisms by which infiltration systems either retain or transmit microplastics during subsurface water movement.
Microplastics transport during Managed Aquifer Recharge – A potential cause of groundwater contamination?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastics at multiple stages of a major managed aquifer recharge system in Switzerland and found that plastic particles from the Rhine River can penetrate through the treatment process into pumped groundwater, raising concerns about drinking water quality.
Effects of co-present mineral colloids on the transport of microplastics in porous media: The key role of hydrochemical and hydrodynamic conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) move through soil and sand when mixed with natural clay particles. They found that the combination of different clay types and water conditions can either help microplastics travel further underground or trap them in place. This research helps us better understand how microplastics might contaminate groundwater sources that provide our drinking water.
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.