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Viaroli S, Lancia M, Lee JY, Ben Y, Giannecchini R, Castelvetro V, Petrini R, Zheng C, Re V. Limits, challenges, and opportunities of sampling groundwater wells with plastic casings for microplastic investigations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174259. [PMID: 38936718 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Investigating microplastics (MPs) in groundwater suffers from problems already faced by surface water research, such as the absence of common protocols for sampling and analysis. While the use of plastic instruments during the collection, processing, and analysis of water samples is usually avoided in order to minimize unintentional contamination, groundwater research encompassing MPs faces unique challenges. Groundwater sampling typically relies on pre-existing monitoring wells (MWs) and water wells (WWs) that are often constructed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) casings or pipes due to their favorable price-performance ratio. Despite the convenience, however, the suitability of PVC casings for MP research is questionable. Unfortunately, the specifics of these wells are often not detailed in published studies. Current literature does not indicate significant pollution risks from PVC casings, suggesting these wells might still be viable for MP studies. Our preliminary analysis of the existing literature indicates that if PVC exceeds 6 % of the total MP concentration, it is likely that casings and pipes made of PVC are a source of pollution. Above this threshold, additional investigations in MWs and WWs with PVC casings and pipes are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Viaroli
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Lancia
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Studies, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujie Ben
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Roberto Giannecchini
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valter Castelvetro
- CISUP - Center for the Integration of Scientific Instruments of the University of Pisa, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Studies, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Viviana Re
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Xu J, Zuo R, Wu G, Liu J, Liu J, Huang C, Wang Z. Global distribution, drivers, and potential hazards of microplastics in groundwater: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176194. [PMID: 39270874 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Since microplastics (MPs) were first detected in groundwater, an increasing number of studies have focused on groundwater pollution by MPs. However, knowledge of the global properties of groundwater MPs: distribution, concentration, composition, and morphology remains limited, while potential factors regulating their transport and distribution in groundwater, especially the hydrogeological background and climate warming conditions, have been omitted from most analyses. Furthermore, previous field investigations did not assess the risks posed by groundwater MPs to the environment and to human health, a necessary preliminary to remediation. In this work, to promote future MP pollution studies and remediation policies, we assimilated and synthesized the current knowledge on this topic. We reviewed current data on global groundwater pollution by MPs, analyzed the driving factors of their transport and distribution, and summarized the ecological and health hazards posed by MPs, before discussing current knowledge limits and suggesting perspectives for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Rui Zuo
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Guanlan Wu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Jingchao Liu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chenxi Huang
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhiwen Wang
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100875, China
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Alvarado-Zambrano D, Rivera-Hernández JR, Green-Ruiz C. Macroplastic and Microparticle Pollution in Beach Sediments from Urias Coastal Lagoon (Northwest Mexico). TOXICS 2024; 12:439. [PMID: 38922119 PMCID: PMC11209155 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of macroplastic and polymer microparticles in the Urias coastal lagoon's beach sediments, in northwest Mexico. Coastal lagoons, productive and vulnerable ecosystems, are impacted significantly by anthropogenic activities, leadings to their pollution by various contaminants, including plastics. Our research involved sampling sediments from four sites within the lagoon that were influenced by different human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, thermoelectric power plant operations, industrial operations, and domestic wastewater discharge. Our methodology included collecting macroplastics and beach sediment samples, followed by laboratory analyses to identify the plastic debris' size, shape, color, and chemical composition. The results indicated a notable presence of macroplastic items (144), predominantly bags, styrofoam, and caps made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The polymer microparticles were mainly fibers, with cotton and polyester as the most common polymers, suggesting a significant contribution from clothing-related waste. The dominant colors of the microparticles were blue and transparent. High densities were observed in areas with slower water exchange. Our findings highlight the urgent need for better waste management practices to mitigate plastic pollution in coastal lagoons, preserving their ecological and economic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Alvarado-Zambrano
- Engineering in Environmental Technology, Polytechnic University of Sinaloa, Km 3. Carretera Municipal Libre Mazatlan Higueras, Mazatlan 82199, Sinaloa, Mexico;
| | - José R. Rivera-Hernández
- Mazatlan Academic Unit, Marine Sciences and Limnology Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cap. Joel Montes Camarena, Mazatlan 82047, Sinaloa, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Green-Ruiz
- Mazatlan Academic Unit, Marine Sciences and Limnology Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cap. Joel Montes Camarena, Mazatlan 82047, Sinaloa, Mexico;
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Umeh OR, Ophori DU, Ibo EM, Eke CI, Oyen TP. Groundwater systems under siege: The silent invasion of microplastics and cock-tails worldwide. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124305. [PMID: 38830527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is one of the significant escalating environmental concerns worldwide, and this stems from the increasing production and unlawful disposal of plastic materials. Regretfully, the synthesis of plastic materials is expected to triple in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, MPs pollution in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial settings has received much attention, unlike in groundwater systems. This study exhaustively reviewed varying degrees of recent publications in various search engines and provided a detailed state of current knowledge and research progress vis-à-vis MPs and cock-tail pollution in groundwater systems. Evidently, groundwater sources are severely contaminated as a result of growing anthropogenic activities and vertical movement of MPs and cock-tails from the atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, however, fewer researchers have fixated their attention on estimating the occurrence of MPs in groundwater resources, while sufficient information regarding their sources, sampling methods, abundance, transport pathways, fate, modeling techniques, appropriate and adequate data, sorption properties, separation from other environmental media, toxicity, and remedial measures are extensively lacking. In addition, MPs may combine with other toxic emerging contaminants to improve migration and toxicity; however, no research has been conducted to fully understand cock-tail migration mechanisms and impacts in groundwater systems. Over time, groundwater may be regarded as the primary sink for MPs, if effective actions are neglected. Overall, this study detected a lack of concern and innumerable voids in this field; hence, vital and nascent research gaps were identified for immediate, advanced, and interdisciplinary research investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odera R Umeh
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Duke U Ophori
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Eziafakaego M Ibo
- Department of Environmental Management, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200002, Nigeria.
| | - Chima I Eke
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Toritseju P Oyen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
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Yahaya T, Adewale MK, Ibrahim AB, Abdulkadir B, Emmanuela CC, Fari AZ, Attahiru AK, Wanda JD. Abundance, characterization, and health risk evaluation of microplastics in borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2024; 39:e2024017-0. [PMID: 39054831 PMCID: PMC11294667 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2024017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become a global menace, and water, being a major "sink" for pollutants, represents a significant source of human exposure. This study aimed to assess the safety of borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, specifically concerning microplastic pollution. Water samples were collected from boreholes in selected areas, including Bayan Kara, Malali, Rafin Atiku, Aliero Quarters, GwadanGaji, FUBK Takeoff Site, Kalgo Market, and Tarasa. Microplastics were extracted from the water samples through filtration using glass fiber filter papers, and were subsequently subjected to spectroscopy and microscopy to determine concentrations, shapes, and polymer types. Health risks associated with the microplastics were also calculated. The results revealed that the samples from Tarasa exhibited the highest concentrations of microplastics (96.967 particles/L), followed by Bayan Kara (92.70 particles/L), Rafin Atiku (92.33 particles/L), GwadanGwaji (92.30 particles/L), FUBK Takeoff Site (91.07 particles/L), Aliero Quarters (90.43 particles/L), Kalgo Market (88.00 particles/L), and Malali (86.40 particles/L). The most dominant shape was fibers (73 %), followed by fragments (16 %), foams (6 %), and filaments (5 %). Polyethylene and polyamide, in that order, were the most dominant polymers, while polystyrene was the least common. The majority of risk scores were classified as III. It can be inferred from the results that microplastic pollution in borehole water poses a health hazard in the city. Consumers of borehole water in the studied areas are advised to treat the water before consumption to mitigate potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajudeen Yahaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Baliqees Abdulkadir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | | | - Adamu Zainab Fari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Asiya Koko Attahiru
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Dahali Wanda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
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Negrete Velasco A, Ellero A, Ramseier Gentile S, Zimmermann S, Ramaciotti P, Stoll S. Impact of a nanofiltration system on microplastic contamination in Geneva groundwater (Switzerland). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13512-13522. [PMID: 38253831 PMCID: PMC10881595 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31940-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been observed in the oceans, fresh waters, karstic water and remote water bodies. However, little is known on groundwater contamination, which is a natural resource of utmost importance for millions of people and is often perceived as a reliable source of water. Moreover, nanofiltration is perceived as a reliable technology to remove contaminants from water. In this study, large sample volumes of a silty-sandy gravel aquifer and the corresponding nanofiltered water were analysed for the presence of MPs (> 20 µm) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. Concentration in ground water was 8 ± 7 MPs/m3 and increased to 36 ± 11 MPs/m3 in nanofiltered water. All MPs had a maximum Ferret diameter lower than 500 µm. Size distribution of MPs was towards the small size class (20-50 µm). In groundwater, 33% of MPs were detected in the smallest size class (20-50 µm) and 67% in the 50-100-µm-size class. In comparison, around 52% of MPs in nanofiltered water were observed in the 20-50 µm size class. Moreover, 33% of the MPs observed in nanofiltered water were in the 50-100 µm size class and 15% in the 100-500-µm-size class. From a chemical point of view, different plastic polymers were identified in groundwater and in nanofiltered water, such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene (vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and other polymer materials (such as polystyrene-based copolymers, vinyl-based copolymers). Fibres were observed in all samples, but only a small number of fibres (near 1%) were identified as PP synthetic fibres in nanofiltered water. Furthermore, no clear difference of fibre concentrations was observed between groundwater (232 ± 127 fibres/m3) and nanofiltered water (247 ± 118 fibres/m3). Groundwater had extremely low levels of microplastics, and although the nanofiltration effectively removes suspended particulate matter, it slightly contaminates the filtered water with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Negrete Velasco
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Science, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 66, Boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Alicia Ellero
- SIG, Industrial Boards of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Serge Stoll
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Science, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 66, Boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Gong X, Tian L, Wang P, Wang Z, Zeng L, Hu J. Microplastic pollution in the groundwater under a bedrock island in the South China sea. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117277. [PMID: 37778600 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater is the only freshwater resource on islands. Research on microplastic pollution in groundwater on islands is scarce. This study is the first to explore microplastic pollution in the groundwater under a bedrock island (Dawanshan Island) located in the South China Sea. The influence of hydrogeological factors on the distribution, source, and ageing features of microplastics in the groundwater were investigated. Despite the small scale of industrial and agricultural activities on the island, the amount of microplastics in the groundwater ranged from 34 to 64 particles/L, with over 80% of the microplastics being polyester fibres with diameters smaller than 2 mm, which is comparable to those in coastal cities. These microplastics were originated from inland plastic usage, rather than from the surrounding sea, which was confirmed by the lack of seawater intrusion on the island. Owing to the low permeability of granite, microplastics were mainly distributed in the water of the loose layer of porous sediment, and their quantity decreased with depth. In addition, the abundance of microplastics in pore groundwater increased with an increase in the velocity of groundwater flow. The severity of microplastic pollution in the groundwater increased with an increase and decrease in the content of total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen, respectively. The microplastics originated from plastic waste disposed of on the island, rather than from seawater intrusion. Also, through groundwater infiltration into exposed soil at recharge areas, artificial wells at residential areas, and water exchange with surface water at valley areas. Microplastics buried in the groundwater aged faster along the migration path of the groundwater. These microplastics threaten the safety of people and plants on the island through exposure resulting from the extraction of groundwater for irrigation, while they endanger marine life through submarine groundwater discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Gong
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 511400, China
| | - Lingning Tian
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 511400, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 511400, China.
| | - Zhongzhong Wang
- Guangdong Geological Survey Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510030, China
| | - Lvdan Zeng
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 511400, China
| | - Jiyuan Hu
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 511400, China
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