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Extensive abundances and characteristics of microplastic pollution in the karst hyporheic zones of urban rivers
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Researchers found high microplastic abundances — averaging 2,273 items per kilogram — in river sediments across ten karst cities in southwest China, with polyamide the dominant polymer, highlighting the elevated pollution risk in karst ecosystems where contaminants travel long distances underground.
Cities are potential areas for microplastic pollution due to large-scale production and the use of plastic products. The karst ecosystem in southwestern China is fragile, and pollutants are more likely to be transported over long distance, resulting in higher pollution risks. Understanding the abundance and composition of microplastics in karst urban water systems is crucial for microplastic pollution management in a karst region. This study investigates the abundances and characteristics of microplastics typically found in river sediments in 10 cities in karst regions of Southwest China. The results show that the abundance of microplastics in sediments ranged from 800 items·kg to 4400 items·kg, with an average of 2273 ± 775 items·kg (n = 30), indicating high abundance. Polyamide (PA) was the most common plastic polymer types in all sediment samples. The abundance of microplastics in the downstream (2527 ± 698 items·kg) was higher than that in the midstream (2350 ± 999 items·kg) and upstream areas (1943 ± 370 items·kg), indicating a gradual accumulation effect in the karst water systems. Microplastic abundance in cities (2119 ± 838 items·kg) was lower than in counties (2427 ± 671 items·kg). No significant correlation was found between microplastic abundance in rivers of urban areas and the level of regional population and economy, but significantly negatively correlated with the efficiency of urban sewage treatment. The results obtained from this study provided insights into the management of microplastic pollution in urban river of a karst region.
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Seasonal dynamics and typology of microplastic pollution in Huixian karst wetland groundwater: Implications for ecosystem health
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Researchers tracked microplastic levels in groundwater beneath a karst wetland in China across seasons, finding contamination ranging from about 1 to 49 particles per liter. The unique cave-and-underground-river geology of karst regions allows microplastics to migrate from the surface into groundwater more easily than in other terrains, with agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater identified as the main pollution sources.
Distribution, sources, and transport of microplastics in a karst river of Southwest China
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Researchers sampled the Wuma River, a karst river in Southwest China, and found microplastics (mostly fragments under 100 micrometers) in both surface water and sediments, with polyurethane and PET as the dominant polymers. The unique geology of karst landscapes — featuring underground river networks, large boulders, and overflow dams — was shown to significantly affect where microplastics accumulate and how far they travel downstream. Residential activity, agriculture, and road tire wear were identified as the main sources. Understanding how karst systems trap and redistribute microplastics matters because these landscapes supply drinking water to millions of people.
Spatial distribution characteristics and migration of microplastics in surface water, groundwater and sediment in karst areas: The case of Yulong River in Guilin, Southwest China
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Researchers investigated microplastic distribution in surface water, sediment, and groundwater in the karst landscape of the Yulong River in Guilin, China. They found microplastic pollution across all water compartments, with living areas showing the highest contamination and tourism-related disposable plastics identified as a primary source. The study suggests that microplastics reach groundwater through hydraulic exchange with surface water in karst areas rather than through soil infiltration.
Distribution and Abundance of Microplastics in Underground Rivers in the South Malang Karst Area: First Evidence in Indonesia
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Researchers documented microplastic contamination in underground rivers within a karst limestone region of South Malang, Indonesia, providing the first evidence of such pollution in the country's groundwater systems. They detected microplastics in all water samples, with fibers being the dominant type. The findings challenge the assumption that karst rock formations act as natural filters, suggesting that surface plastic pollution can penetrate into underground water sources.
Microplastic pollution in urban rivers within China's Danxia landforms: Spatial distribution characteristics, migration, and risk assessment
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface water, sediment, and groundwater across six cities in China's ecologically fragile Danxia landform region. They found moderate levels of contamination, with urban wastewater and agricultural runoff identified as the primary sources. The study suggests that these unique and ecologically sensitive landscapes face real microplastic pollution risks tied to nearby human activity.
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