Microplastic Contamination in Karst Groundwater Systems
Illinois Archaeological Survey · Committee on Institutional Cooperation · +3 more institutions
Indexed incrossrefpubmed
Abstract
Groundwater in karst aquifers constitutes about 25% of drinking water sources globally. Karst aquifers are open systems, susceptible to contamination by surface-borne pollutants. In this study, springs and wells from two karst aquifers in Illinois, USA, were found to contain microplastics and other anthropogenic contaminants. All microplastics were fibers, with a maximum concentration of 15.2 particles/L. The presence of microplastic was consistent with other parameters, including phosphate, chloride and triclosan, suggesting septic effluent as a source. More studies are needed on microplastic sources, abundance, and impacts on karst ecosystems.
Citation impact
494
total citations
- FWCI
- 12.60
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 37
Citations per year
Authors
8Topics & keywords
Topics
Keywords
- Karst
- Aquifer
- Microplastics
- Groundwater
- Contamination
- Environmental science
- Pollutant
- Hydrology (agriculture)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Clean water and sanitation
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