Protection of Underground Aquifers from Micro- and Nanoplastics Contamination

Abstract

Despite the unquestionable benefits of plastics to human activities, their intense use has generated huge quantities of waste worldwide. The inappropriate handling of plastic residues is currently one of the main environmental and societal issues. Studies assessing the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as their effects on biota, increase every day. However, research on micro- and nanoplastic pollution of groundwater is lagging behind. Groundwater ecosystems and associated biodiversity provide many ecosystem services having essential roles in the planet, and for human life and development being responsible for replenishment of rivers and lakes and a source of drinking and irrigation water to populations. Despite their paramount importance, only a few studies have evaluated the presence of microplastics in aquifers. Due to their widespread occurrence and persistence, microplastics were already found in aquifers with an abundance of approximately 16 particles/L. After a brief introduction to the economic and ecological importance of groundwater and aquifers, insights regarding the potential sources of microand nanoplastics to aquifers, and the research needed to adequately protect groundwater ecosystems from plastic pollution are provided. In particular, we focus on the need for effective and standardized monitoring of plastic particles in groundwater, the need for research on the fate and transport of microplastics in soils and hyporheic zones to groundwaters, and on the necessary evaluation of ecological effects of plastic particles on groundwater biodiversity. In conclusion, transdisciplinary studies addressing groundwater contamination by microand nanoplastics are required to ensure the sustainability and conservation of groundwater ecosystems.