Microplastic Contamination in Karst Groundwater Systems |
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| Authors: | Samuel V. Panno Walton R. Kelly John Scott Wei Zheng Rachel E. McNeish Nancy Holm Timothy J. Hoellein Elizabeth L. Baranski |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Illinois State Water Survey, Champaign, IL 61820;2. Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Champaign, IL 61820;3. California State University, Bakersfield, CA 93311;4. Loyola University, Chicago, IL 60660;5. League of Women Voters of Jo Daviess County, Galena, IL 61036 |
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| 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. |
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