The Urgent Need to Investigate Microplastic Contamination in Groundwater: Soil and Groundwater Interactions as Key Drivers

Wei, Yaqiang; Chen, Yuling

doi:10.1021/acsestwater.3c00645

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…These particles have various toxic effects on terrestrial ecological systems, including microorganisms, plants, and animals, impacting their growth and reproduction [36]. Additionally, humans may ingest microplastics in groundwater directly through drinking water or indirectly via the food chain, posing significant health risks [37]. For future perspective, the studies could consider modifying water properties to better emulate natural systems, such as introducing organic materials and various types of salt ions and reducing the concentration of injected MPls.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Microplastics Retention Efficiency and Sorption Dynamics in Porous Media

Okutan,

Sağır,

Kurtuluş

et al. 2024

Preprint

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This study concerns the transport and retention of polydisperse micron-sized (16 ± 6 µm) of microplastics (MPls) in porous media under varying flow rate conditions. Sorption kinetics were modeled using first-order reversible and irreversible kinetic sorption models, with sensitivity analyses providing insights into each sorption parameter's effect. Both numerical modeling and experimental measurements were employed to assess sand filter retention rates. The impact of flow rate on sorption reveals variations in distribution coefficient (Kd), mass transfer coefficient (β), and irreversible sorption rate (K1). Lower flow rates are correlated with higher Kd and β values, indicating an increase in sorption and diminished mass transfer rates. The findings revealed that an increase in Kd resulted in a more gradual sorption process with a decrease in peak concentration, whereas changes in β influenced the rate of sorption and peak concentration to a lesser extent compared to Kd. Lower K1 values are associated with higher peak concentrations and decreased retention efficiency. Retention rates were evaluated by a numerical model and found as 28 ± 1% at a flow rate of 31 ml min⁻¹ and 17 ± 1% at 65 ml min⁻¹. The introduction of MPls into soil environments has been noted to modify transport dynamics into soil. As a result, these alterations effects hydrological characteristics of soil, thereby impacting quality of groundwater and agricultural output. The mean absolute error (MAE) of 6% between modeled and observed retention rates suggests minor discrepancies. This study highlights the importance of examining retention efficiency and the accuracy of numerical models in porous media during MPl transport.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Microplastics Retention Efficiency and Sorption Dynamics in Porous Media

Okutan,

Sağır,

Kurtuluş

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…MP mobility through porous media depends on several factors. The interaction between soil and groundwater is a complex process, involving physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that can affect the transport and transformation of MPs (Wei and Chen 2023). One study found that the ionic strength of water and aging of MPs impacted transport (Wang et al, 2022).…”

Section: Microplastics Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Groundwater in the age of plastic

Nlend,

Lapworth,

Cashman

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Among the emerging contaminants, microplastics (1-5,000 µm) are becoming an important issue due to their ubiquity in the environment. However, research on this emerging contaminant has been conducted mainly in marine surface waters while microplastics (MPs) are now being found in even the most remote parts of the environment. For example, in groundwater which is the primary water source which supply the world, scientists are just starting to gather evidence on risks to groundwater and dependent ecosystems. This paper reviews the current understanding of plastic contamination in groundwater, summarizes methods that can be used for sampling and detection of plastics as well as the status of environmental regulation of plastics. From the handful of published studies, MPs origins in groundwater are mainly from wastewater effluent, road runoff, agricultural activities, and landfill leachate. The relevant nature of these contaminants are related to their high specific surface area and hydrophobicity allowing co-contamination with various hazardous chemicals such as PCBs, PAHs, BPA, PBDEs, heavy metals and antibiotics. Related to this issues of co-contamination in groundwater, there are potential risks to human health and wider ecosystems that are poorly understood and there has been almost no research undertaken on the occurrence of nanoplastics (<1 m) in groundwater systems. MPs can potentially contribute to cardiovascular diseases, skin irritation, cancer, reproductive effects, and respiratory and digestive problems. In addition, soil and groundwater contamination can be detrimental to aquatic micro-organisms. There is an urgent need to develop a better understanding of the risks MP and associated co-contaminants pose and advance national and regional regulations to restrict microplastic contamination of groundwater.

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“…The complexities of the downward migration of MPs lie in complicated soil–groundwater interactions and MP properties (size, density, and so on). To date, research on MPs in soil–groundwater systems remains limited, particularly regarding the effects of the interaction between soil and groundwater caused by farm irrigation on the transport and fate of MPs …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling of Microplastics Migration in Soil and Groundwater: Insights into Dispersion and Particle Property Effects

Wei,

Chen,

Cao

et al. 2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Migration of microplastics (MPs) in soil−groundwater systems plays a pivotal role in determining its concentration in aquifers and future threats to the terrestrial environment, including human health. However, existing models employing an advection−dispersion equation are insufficient to incorporate the holistic mechanism of MP migration. Therefore, to bridge the gap associated with MP migration in soil−groundwater systems, a dispersion−drag force coupled model incorporating a drag force on MPs along with dispersion is developed and validated through existing laboratory and field-scale experiments. The inclusion of the MP dispersion notably increased the global maximum particle velocity (v maxp ) of MPs, resulting in a higher concentration of MPs in the aquifer, which is also established by sensitivity analysis of MP dispersion. Additionally, increasing irrigation flux and irrigation areas significantly accelerates MP migration downward from soil to deep saturated aquifers. Intriguingly, v maxp of MPs exhibited a nonlinear relationship with MPs' sizes smaller than 20 μm reaching the highest value (=1.64 × 10 −5 m/s) at a particle size of 8 μm, while a decreasing trend was identified for particle sizes ranging from 20 to 100 μm because of the hindered effect by porous media and the weaker effect of the drag force. Moreover, distinct behaviors were observed among different plastic types, with poly(vinyl chloride), characterized by the highest density, displaying the lowest v maxp and minimal flux entering groundwater. Furthermore, the presence of a heterogeneous structure with lower hydraulic conductivity facilitated MP dispersion and promoted their migration in saturated aquifers. The findings shed light on effective strategies to mitigate the impact of MPs in aquifers, contributing valuable insights to the broader scientific fraternity.

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The Urgent Need to Investigate Microplastic Contamination in Groundwater: Soil and Groundwater Interactions as Key Drivers

Cited by 8 publications

References 41 publications

Understanding Microplastics Retention Efficiency and Sorption Dynamics in Porous Media

Understanding Microplastics Retention Efficiency and Sorption Dynamics in Porous Media

Groundwater in the age of plastic

Modeling of Microplastics Migration in Soil and Groundwater: Insights into Dispersion and Particle Property Effects

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