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Preliminary investigation of microplastic presence in the Zinzùlusa show-cave
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Researchers conducted a preliminary investigation of microplastic contamination in the Zinzùlusa karst show-cave in Italy, finding microplastics in the groundwater and highlighting the vulnerability of subterranean aquatic ecosystems and their characteristic fauna.
Microplastic contamination has been detected in all the environmental compartments (air, soil, water, and biota) and in most worldwide habitats. However, little is known about the presence of microplastic in groundwaters, possibly due to the limited accessibility of these environments. This knowledge gap is critical as groundwater is a key resource for human water needs. Moreover, this habitat hosts characteristic fauna, highly adapted to the stability of the subterranean environment and potentially sensitive to microplastic impacts. The Zinzùlusa Cave is an important show cave, used as a tourist attraction and it is also a protected karst site in the Apulian region. This preliminary investigation of microplastic presence in the water ponds of the caves has been carried out, focusing on comparing the touristic and non-touristic areas of the cave to see the impact of frequentation. Values ranged from 51 to 107 items per liter, with fibers as the predominant shape (88%). The most abundant polymers identified were anthropogenic cellulose, polypropylene, and polyurethane, which are mostly used in the textile industry. This study is the first to deal with microplastics in the Zinzùlusa Cave, finding high contamination levels in its water ponds, and rising concern about possible sources of particles.
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(Micro-)Plastics in Saturated and Unsaturated Groundwater Bodies: First Evidence of Presence in Groundwater Fauna and Habitats
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in three Italian groundwater systems, including karst caves and an alluvial aquifer, providing early evidence that microplastics are present in underground water habitats. The study also found that groundwater-dwelling invertebrates had ingested microplastic particles, raising concerns about pollution impacts on these fragile and largely unstudied ecosystems.
Microplastics in Pristine Caves of the Classic Karst (NE Italy): A First Assessment of Contamination Levels
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Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic contamination in pristine, remote cave systems in the Classic Karst region of northeastern Italy. The study found microplastics present even in extremely isolated underground environments hydraulically connected to the Reka/Timavo River, demonstrating the pervasive reach of microplastic pollution into previously uncontaminated ecosystems.
Microplastic pollution calls for urgent investigations in stygobiont habitats: A case study from Classical karst
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Researchers examined microplastic pollution in karst cave systems in the Classical Karst region, finding that these underground habitats harbor significant contamination. The study suggests that vulnerable cave-dwelling species may be consuming microplastics, which could undermine conservation efforts for protected groundwater ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Preliminary investigations of microplastic pollution in karst systems, from surface watercourses to cave waters
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This study collected water samples from surface streams and connected cave waters in a karst system in Italy to document microplastic pollution in groundwater-linked environments. Microplastics including fibers and fragments were detected throughout the karst system, demonstrating that plastics infiltrate even protected underground aquifers.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.