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Microplastic pollution in groundwater: a systematic review
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This systematic review reveals that microplastics have been found in groundwater sources worldwide, raising concerns about drinking water safety. Detection methods and reported contamination levels vary widely, highlighting the need for standardized testing to fully understand the scope of the problem.
Groundwater, a crucial freshwater source faces increasing pollution from microplastics (MPs). This study aims to comprehensively review the aquifers, sampling and analysis methods, pollution levels, polymer types, and sizes of MPs in groundwater worldwide between 2017 and 2023. Very few reports exist on the abundance, polymer type, size, and other characteristics of MPs in the field. The tools, methods, and sample collection quantities used for field sampling varied considerably among studies. However, efforts to enhance our understanding of MP analysis results through groundwater level measurements, on-site water quality parameters, ion analysis, and field blanks have been limited. The analysis results mostly indicated higher concentrations in urban and industrial areas and landfill sites, whereas lower concentrations were observed in areas with minimal human influence. MPs in groundwater are predominantly polypropylene and polyethylene. Standardized sample collection and analysis methods are needed to further promote research on MPs in groundwater and facilitate cross-comparisons.
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Microplastics in groundwater: An updated systematic review of occurrence, hydrogeological controls, methodological challenges, and regulatory gaps
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This review of 82 studies across 28 countries found microplastics in every type of groundwater environment tested, meaning the water beneath our feet, including sources used for drinking water, isn't immune to plastic pollution. However, the researchers also found huge inconsistencies in how scientists measure and report microplastics (with results varying up to a million-fold), which makes it hard to know exactly how much contamination is typical or dangerous. The takeaway: microplastics in groundwater are real and widespread, but better, standardized testing methods are needed before regulators can set safety limits to protect drinking water.
Microplastics in Groundwater: Pathways, Occurrence, and Monitoring Challenges
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This review provides a comprehensive look at how microplastics make their way into groundwater from surface water, seawater, and soil, and examines the challenges researchers face in detecting and monitoring them. The study found that a lack of standardized sampling and analysis methods makes it difficult to compare findings across different studies. Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding local geological conditions and preventing sample contamination to improve the reliability of groundwater microplastic monitoring.
Global status, risk assessment, and knowledge gaps of microplastics in groundwater: A bibliometric analysis
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This review analyzed 215 published studies on microplastics in groundwater and found that this area of research is still in its early stages compared to surface water studies. Evidence indicates that microplastic contamination is present in groundwater worldwide, but sampling methods and reported results vary widely. The authors identified significant knowledge gaps in understanding how microplastics move through underground water systems and what risks they may pose to drinking water sources.
Groundwater in the age of plastic
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This review examines microplastic contamination of groundwater globally, synthesizing studies on occurrence, transport pathways through soil and aquifer matrices, and the emerging implications for drinking water safety and groundwater ecosystem health.
Microplastics: Are they really a threat to groundwater systems?
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This review assesses whether microplastics pose a genuine threat to groundwater systems, concluding that while evidence of microplastic presence in groundwater is growing, transport mechanisms and ecological risks remain poorly characterized. Researchers call for standardized methods and long-term monitoring to better evaluate the scale of the problem.
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