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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic particles in karst and alluvial aquifers
ClearMicroplastic particles in karst and alluvial aquifers
Researchers investigated the occurrence and characteristics of microplastic particles in both karst and alluvial aquifer systems, examining how plastic particles migrate through these distinct subsurface geological environments. The study addressed a significant knowledge gap regarding groundwater contamination by microplastics in aquifers that differ in their hydrogeological properties and filtration capacity.
Microplastics in karstic systems: a review of sources, transport paths and storage
This repository contains geospatial data and bibliographic records supporting a review of microplastic pollution in karst (limestone cave and sinkhole) systems, mapping where microplastics have been detected across these ecologically important groundwater environments. Karst systems supply drinking water to roughly a quarter of the world's population, making microplastic contamination there a significant but understudied human health concern.
Seasonal dynamics and typology of microplastic pollution in Huixian karst wetland groundwater: Implications for ecosystem health
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.
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
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.
The invisible problem of microplastics and microfibres in karst systems and aquifers: a multidisciplinary approach
This thesis investigates how microplastics and microfibres move through karst (limestone) systems and underground aquifers using a multidisciplinary approach, a concern because karst aquifers supply drinking water to roughly a quarter of the global population and are particularly vulnerable to contamination given their direct hydraulic connections to the surface.
Microplastic Contamination in Karst Groundwater Systems
Springs and wells from two karst aquifers in Illinois were found to contain microplastics exclusively as fibers (up to 15.2 particles/L), with their presence correlated with phosphate, chloride, and triclosan, suggesting septic effluent as the source. The study demonstrates that karst groundwater systems used for drinking water are vulnerable to microplastic contamination infiltrating through their open, conduit-dominated architecture.
Microplastic particles investigation in karst aquifer (Zvenigorod, Russia)
Researchers investigated microplastic particle presence and distribution in a karst aquifer near Zvenigorod, Russia, finding that single-use plastics and inadequate waste management are contributing to groundwater MP contamination even in this relatively protected geological setting.
Microplastics in groundwater: a global analysis
Researchers conducted a global groundwater sampling study to characterize microplastic contamination in aquifer systems worldwide, investigating transport mechanisms and fate of particles in anoxic subsurface environments where knowledge gaps remain despite extensive research on surface water systems.
Preliminary investigations of microplastic pollution in karst systems, from surface watercourses to cave waters
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.
(Micro-)Plastics in Saturated and Unsaturated Groundwater Bodies: First Evidence of Presence in Groundwater Fauna and Habitats
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.
Microplastic pollution in vulnerable karst environments: case study from the Slovenian classical karst region
Researchers sampled karst springs, caves, and other habitats in Slovenia's classical karst region and detected microplastics across multiple sites, including springs used for drinking water, raising concerns about plastic contamination of these ecologically sensitive and hydrologically connected underground environments.
Adherence of Polystyrene Microspheres on Cave Sediment: Implications for Organic Contaminants and Microplastics in Karst Systems
This study found that polystyrene microspheres adhere readily to cave sediment particles in karst aquifer systems, with implications for how microplastics and organic contaminants are transported through karst groundwater. Karst systems may act as pathways for microplastics to reach groundwater supplies used for drinking water.
Distribution and Abundance of Microplastics in Underground Rivers in the South Malang Karst Area: First Evidence in Indonesia
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 contamination of an unconfined groundwater aquifer in Victoria, Australia
Researchers found microplastic contamination in an unconfined groundwater aquifer in Victoria, Australia, providing the first evidence that microplastics can penetrate capped alluvial sedimentary aquifers and contaminate subsurface water systems.
An Overview of Microplastic Contamination in Groundwater: Sources, Transport Pathways, and Environmental Implications
This review examined microplastic contamination in groundwater systems, an area that has received less research attention compared to surface water. Researchers identified key sources and transport pathways for microplastics entering groundwater, including infiltration through soil and fractured rock, and highlighted the environmental implications for drinking water supplies.
Preliminary Study on the Distribution, Source, and Ecological Risk of Typical Microplastics in Karst Groundwater in Guizhou Province, China
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in karst groundwater across Guizhou Province, China, finding concentrations ranging from about 2 to 10 particles per liter. The dominant types were polystyrene and polyethylene, primarily in film and fiber forms. The study found that rainfall events significantly increased microplastic abundance and movement in karst groundwater, and that most sampling sites showed low ecological risk under normal conditions.
Distribution and transport of microplastics in groundwater (Shiraz aquifer, southwest Iran)
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in groundwater from an alluvial aquifer in a semi-arid region of Iran. They identified microplastics in all sampled wells, with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes and polyethylene the dominant polymer type. The study demonstrates that groundwater, an important source of drinking water, is not immune to microplastic contamination and calls for more research on transport mechanisms in subsurface environments.
Review of Current Issues and Management Strategies of Microplastics in Groundwater Environments
This review synthesizes current knowledge on microplastic contamination in groundwater, identifying it as a substantially understudied environment compared to surface water and marine systems. The authors describe pathways by which microplastics enter aquifers and discuss management strategies for this largely invisible contamination route.
Microplastics Pollution in the Groundwater of Three Land Use Types, Southeastern Hungary
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in groundwater across three land use types in southeastern Hungary, providing data on the rate and distribution of microplastic contamination in a freshwater resource that has received far less study than surface water bodies.
Microplastics in groundwater: a global analysis
Researchers conducted a global groundwater sampling study — collecting approximately 300 litres per site from caves, boreholes, monitoring wells, and surface springs worldwide using a standardised filtration protocol — to characterise microplastic contamination in these poorly studied anoxic systems. The study presented first results aimed at closing a major knowledge gap about microplastic transport and fate in global groundwater resources.
Storage-Release Dynamics of Microplastics during rainfall events in Conduit-Fissure Coupled Karst Aquifers
Researchers used high-frequency monitoring in a karst groundwater system in southern China to track how rainfall events mobilize, transport, and store microplastics through conduit-fissure networks, revealing four distinct hydrological stages that sequentially release pre-deposited and newly infiltrated PET and PE fibers into spring water.
Occurrence and Sources of Microplastics in groundwater divided by well depth and Hydrogeology in South Korea
Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence in South Korean groundwater stratified by well depth and hydrogeological setting, finding microplastics in wells across all depths and identifying surface connectivity as a key factor controlling contamination levels.
Microplastic pollution calls for urgent investigations in stygobiont habitats: A case study from Classical karst
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.
Microplastic particles in groundwater systems worldwide
This review synthesizes global evidence on microplastic contamination in groundwater systems, examining how particles enter aquifers via vadose zone infiltration, groundwater-surface water exchange, and managed recharge sites, while highlighting the lack of standardized baseline concentration data across aquifer types worldwide.