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Spatial Variations of Microplastic Contaminants in Karst Systems Across Kentucky
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Researchers mapped microplastic contamination across karst cave and spring systems in Kentucky, finding that these porous limestone aquifers concentrate plastic particles from surface runoff, raising concerns about microplastic infiltration into vulnerable groundwater drinking water sources.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants linked to human act...
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Geologic and Land Use Controls on Microplastic Contamination in Missouri Karst Springs
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Researchers investigated how karst geology and surrounding land use patterns control microplastic contamination in Missouri spring systems, finding that rapid groundwater flow through cave networks allows microplastics to bypass natural filtration and emerge in spring outputs. Karst aquifers, which supply drinking water to millions, are uniquely vulnerable to microplastic contamination because their conduit-dominated flow systems lack the filtering capacity of conventional porous-media aquifers.
Quantifying Microplastic Debris Sourcing and Transport for a Karst Aquifer
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Researchers monitored microplastic concentrations and transport dynamics in a karst cave stream in Missouri, finding that flood events dramatically increase microplastic loads — predominantly fibers — as surface runoff carries contaminants through sinkholes and fractures into the groundwater system.
Urban Land Use Sources Microplastic Pollution to Karst Aquifers
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Microplastics were detected in karst groundwater springs across Missouri at levels up to 15 particles per liter, with contamination significantly correlated with urban land cover in the recharge area. This study demonstrates that urban land use drives microplastic infiltration into karst aquifers, threatening groundwater resources that millions of people depend on for drinking water.
Microplastics in Karst Groundwaters of Illinois
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Researchers sampled 17 springs and shallow wells across karst aquifers in Illinois, detecting microplastics — exclusively microfibers — in all but one sample at concentrations up to 15.2 pieces per liter, with septic effluent from washing machines identified as the most likely contamination source.
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.