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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to The problem of anthropogenic microfibres in karst systems: Assessment of water and submerged sediments
ClearPreliminary 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.
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.
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 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.
Microplastics in caves: A new threat in the most famous geo-heritage in the world. Analysis and comparison of Italian show caves deposits
Italian show caves were found to contain microplastics throughout their sediments, with tourist areas having higher concentrations (average 4300 items/kg) than non-tourist areas (2570 items/kg), dominated by sub-millimeter polyester and polyolefin fibres.
Quantifying anthropogenic microparticle contamination in cave sediments: spatial heterogeneity matters
Microplastics and other anthropogenic particles were quantified in cave sediments, providing a record of atmospheric and terrestrial contamination reaching underground environments. The presence of microplastics in caves demonstrates the pervasive spread of plastic pollution into even secluded geological environments.
The invisible environmental impact of tourism in show caves: microplastic pollution in three Italian show caves
This study found microplastic contamination in sediment deposits of three show caves in northwestern Italy, including a cave that serves as a drinking water reservoir. The results show that even remote underground ecosystems are not protected from microplastic pollution, posing potential risks to groundwater quality.
Cave sediment sequesters anthropogenic microparticles (including microplastics and modified cellulose) in subsurface environments
Researchers sampled water and sediment from a US cave during a flood event and found anthropogenic microparticles at all sites, with sediment concentrations roughly 100 times higher than in water, demonstrating that cave sediments sequester microplastic and cellulosic fiber pollution in subsurface environments.
Microplastics in Pristine Caves of the Classic Karst (NE Italy): A First Assessment of Contamination Levels
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 in show cave sediments: First evidence and detection technique
Microplastic particles were detected for the first time in the sediments of a show cave in Spain, establishing that caves and karst aquifers are not insulated from surface plastic pollution and that sediment deposition in these environments can archive records of microplastic contamination.
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.
Extensive abundances and characteristics of microplastic pollution in the karst hyporheic zones of urban rivers
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.
Explorations in the dark continent: Did microplastics and microfibres get here before us?
Researchers investigated previously unexplored caves to determine whether microplastic pollution has reached underground environments that humans have never entered. They found microplastics and microfibers present even in these pristine subterranean habitats, carried in by water flow and air currents. The findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination extends to some of Earth's most remote and isolated environments.
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.
Floods enhance the abundance and diversity of anthropogenic microparticles (including microplastics and treated cellulose) transported through karst systems
This study examined how flood events affect microplastic transport through karst (limestone cave) water systems. Researchers found that floods dramatically increased both the amount and variety of microplastic particles moving through underground waterways. The findings matter because karst systems supply drinking water to about 25% of the global population, and flood-driven pulses of microplastics could contaminate these water sources.
Shedding light on the invisible: addressing the potential for groundwater contamination by plastic microfibers
Researchers examined the potential for synthetic microplastic fibers shed from textiles during washing to contaminate groundwater systems, finding that current understanding of microfiber behavior in aquifers is very limited and calling for targeted research on this largely overlooked contamination pathway.
Plastics underground: microplastic pollution in South African freshwater caves and associated biota
Scientists discovered microplastic contamination in underground freshwater caves in South Africa, including in cave water, sediment, and small crustaceans living there. This finding is notable because it shows microplastics have reached even remote, subterranean environments, and cave-dwelling animals are ingesting them.
Lost in the Dark: Current Evidence and Knowledge Gaps About Microplastic Pollution in Natural Caves
This systematic review summarizes emerging evidence on microplastic pollution inside natural caves, an environment most people would not expect to be contaminated. The findings reveal that microplastics have reached even these remote underground ecosystems through water flow and air circulation, highlighting just how widespread plastic pollution has become.
Subterranean transport of microplastics as evidenced in karst springs and their characterization using Raman spectroscopy
Raman micro-spectroscopy confirmed the presence of microplastics in karst spring water from rural Romania, with concentrations of 0.034-0.06 fragments or fibres per liter, demonstrating subterranean transport of microplastics through karst aquifer systems.
(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 particles in karst and alluvial aquifers
Researchers studied microplastic particle occurrence and distribution in karst and alluvial aquifer systems, investigating how these subsurface environments serve as sinks or conduits for plastic pollution. The study contributed data on groundwater microplastic contamination in geologically distinct aquifer types.
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.
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 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.