Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

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.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 114 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Journal of Environmental Management 22 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 33 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Microplastic Contamination in Urban Groundwater: A Case Study From Jakarta Megacity, Indonesia

Groundwater sampled across 121 locations in Jakarta contained between 28 and 236 microplastic particles per liter, with fragment-shaped pieces dominating and concentrations rising near temporary waste disposal sites. This is significant because millions of people in urban Indonesia still rely on groundwater for drinking, meaning microplastics from poorly managed waste are entering a direct route to human consumption.

2024 The Scientific World JOURNAL 3 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Existence of Microplastics in Indonesia’s Surface Water: A Review

This review summarizes evidence of microplastic contamination in surface waters across Indonesia, finding widespread pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The study underscores the urgency of improved plastic waste management in a country with one of the world's largest contributions to ocean plastic pollution.

2021 International Journal of Integrated Engineering 5 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2022 Acta Carsologica 31 citations
Article Tier 2

Unraveling Microplastic Presence in Freshwater and Sediment of Rejoso River, Indonesia

Researchers investigated microplastic presence in water and sediment of the Rejoso River in Indonesia across 12 sampling sites, characterizing the types, abundances, and distribution patterns of microplastic particles in this tropical freshwater system.

2025 Environmental Quality Management
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Journal of Environmental Management 20 citations
Article Tier 2

Abundance of microplastics in Cisadane river - Indonesia

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination along the Cisadane River in Indonesia, sampling at 11 points from upstream to downstream. They found microplastics present throughout the river, with concentrations and types varying by location and influenced by nearby human and industrial activities. The study underscores the persistent nature of microplastic pollution in tropical river systems serving large populations.

2024 IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science 3 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2026 Microplastics
Article Tier 2

(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.

2024 Sustainability 25 citations
Article Tier 2

Exploring the presence and distribution of microplastics in subterranean estuaries from southwest India

Researchers explored microplastic distribution in subterranean estuaries of southwest India, finding microplastics in pore water, groundwater, and seawater with fibers as the dominant shape, revealing a previously understudied pathway for plastic contamination.

2023 Marine Pollution Bulletin 41 citations
Article Tier 2

Analysis of microplastics in spring water

Researchers sampled six natural springs in Batu City, Indonesia, and detected microplastics in all of them at concentrations of 208–354 particles per cubic meter, even though the water otherwise met drinking water quality standards. The most common plastic types found were nylon, LDPE, PET, and PVC, suggesting that microplastic contamination reaches even groundwater-fed spring sources.

2023 Emerging contaminants 15 citations
Article Tier 2

Analysis of Microplastic Contamination on Water and Sediment in the Brantas Subwatershed of the Malang Area

This Indonesian study (published in Bahasa Indonesia) analyzed microplastic contamination in both water and sediment of the Brantas River sub-watershed in the Malang area, one of the most important river systems in East Java. Microplastics were found in both water and sediment samples across sampling locations, with fibers being a dominant form. The Brantas River supports millions of people for drinking water and irrigation, making evidence of microplastic contamination in this system a significant public health and environmental concern.

2025 Jurnal Perikanan Unram 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Preliminary Study of Microplastic Abundance in Rivers of Greater Semarang Area, Indonesia

Researchers surveyed two rivers in the Semarang region of Indonesia and found microplastics at every sampling site, with concentrations increasing downstream and polyethylene sheet fragments — likely from single-use plastic bags — being the most common type, underlining the need for better waste management to reduce plastic entering waterways.

2023 International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Abundance and distribution of microplastics in Baturusa watershed of Bangka Belitung Islands Province

Scientists measured microplastic abundance and distribution in the Baturusa River watershed on Bangka Belitung Island, Indonesia, finding plastic particles at all sampling sites. Higher concentrations were found downstream and near populated areas, highlighting the role of human settlements in freshwater microplastic contamination.

2021 IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science
Article Tier 2

Microplastics contamination in Coban Kethak and its flow

Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the water and sediment of Coban Kethak waterfall and its downstream flow in Malang, Indonesia. They found microplastics at all sampling sites, with concentrations varying by land use, from recreational areas to agricultural zones. The study suggests that human activities along the waterway contribute to the distribution and accumulation of microplastic pollution.

2025 BIO Web of Conferences 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Identification of Microplastics in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed and Waste Management Analysis in Garut Regency, Indonesia

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed in Garut Regency, Indonesia, examining water samples and local waste management practices. Microplastics were found throughout the watershed, with the highest concentrations linked to areas with greater human activity and inadequate waste management. The study suggests that improving waste collection and disposal in the region could help reduce microplastic inputs to this important river system.

2026 Industrial and Domestic Waste Management
Article Tier 2

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.

2022 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 45 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Водные ресурсы / Water Resources
Article Tier 2

Analysis of Microplastic Content in Surface Water of the Gajah Mungkur Reservoir in Indonesia

Researchers analyzed surface water from Indonesia's Gajah Mungkur Reservoir, a drinking water source, and found microplastics at every sampling location, with concentrations ranging from 340 to 820 particles per cubic meter. The dominant shapes were filaments and fibers, and the plastics identified included polypropylene and polystyrene. The highest contamination was found at an upstream river inlet, suggesting that rivers are a key delivery route for microplastics into the reservoir. The findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure through drinking water drawn from Indonesian surface water sources.

2025 IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics pollution in selected rivers from Southeast Asia

Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in rivers across Southeast Asia, a region with high plastic waste discharge but limited monitoring data, documenting the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in these understudied waterways.

2022 APN Science Bulletin 28 citations