Microplastics in soil and groundwater of Korea: Occurrence, characteristics and risk assessment

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) pollution in soil and groundwater is receiving increased attention, and relevant concerns are growing in Korea. This review explores recent studies conducted in Korea on MPs pollution in both the soil and groundwater. MPs are ubiquitously distributed in Korean soil and groundwater, and their concentrations cannot be disregarded. The most prevalent polymer types are polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which may exhibit some variations depending on the location. The levels of MPs in the groundwater exhibit seasonal variation influenced by monsoonal rainfall, whereas the levels of MPs in the soil show minimal seasonal fluctuations. The most frequently detected size range of MPs is 20 to 100 µm, accounting for approximately 80-90% of the total. The predominant shape observed is fragments, suggesting that the MPs present in soil and groundwater originate from secondary sources, such as the weathering and mechanical abrasion of different plastic products. The identified MP sources encompass various aspects of agricultural practices. These sources include plastics used in greenhouses, plastic mulching films employed for vegetable cultivation, plastic containers for agricultural fertilizers, and plastic components of agricultural machinery. Additionally, unmanaged groundwater wells, which use numerous plastic hoses and connecting pipes for production, are noteworthy potential sources of MPs in this particular country. The risk assessment conducted for the three studied areas, that is, heavy agriculture, permeable basaltic surfaces, and karst aquifers, revealed low to moderate hazard levels and ecological risks associated with soil and groundwater MP pollution. Based on the study findings, a comprehensive nationwide investigation should be conducted focusing on MPs in soil and groundwater. Additionally, immediate legislative measures are needed to regulate the use of plastic products, particularly in agricultural practices. Pollution and Risk AssessmentTo assess and compare the levels of MPs contamination and the associated risks in soil and groundwater in different locations, we employed several indices: the MP contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), hazard index (HI), and ecological risk index (ERI). These indices were calculated using the collected MP data and drawing insights from relevant studies (

CFD Analysis of Microplastic Transport over the Slopes

“…Once in the ocean, these plastics are subject to changes in size, density, and shape due to various physical, chemical, and biological factors, impacting their movement and distribution [4][5][6][7]. The ubiquity and diminutive size of microplastics pose considerable risks to marine life and, by extension, human health [8][9][10]. Notably, the accumulation of microplastics in nearshore zones raises concerns due to the concentration of waste from sources like river runoff and human activities, potentially leading to ingestion by marine organisms and subsequent ecosystem and human health impacts [11].…”