This review focuses on the occurrence, fate, and transport of MPs in groundwater, along with their sampling, detection, size range, types, and potential sources and pathways of contamination. This study recorded a total of 13 studies that evaluated MPs in groundwater, the samples of which were collected from open wells and other types of drilling. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), and polystyrene (PS) were the most dominant types of polymers that were observed in groundwater. The analysis of the existing literature revealed that studies on MPs in groundwater were mainly conducted in coastal areas, particularly in Europe and North America. However, there is still a need for more research in other geographical regions, such as Asia, Africa, and South America, to examine a broader range of groundwater aquifer systems. This review also recommends the need for further research in a broader variety of groundwater aquifer systems, such as drinking water collecting wells near urban, agricultural, industrial, and coastal locations. This can help in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and sources of MP contamination in groundwater and the associated public health risks.
The current study examines the contamination of microplastics in three greenhouse types: abandoned, normal, and simple. The findings revealed that the abundance of microplastics was found to be the highest in the abandoned greenhouse, followed by the normal greenhouse and simple greenhouse. The mean abundance of microplastic organic fertilizer and irrigation water was also high.[…]
The study examines the distribution of residual film after eight years of film mulching in mid-April 2018. Results from the study revealed that eight years of mulching significantly increased the quantity of agricultural mulch film residues in the soil. The size of residual film fragments was found to vary from 0.25 cm2 to 109 cm2,[…]
A study in Yuanmou County, Yunnan Province, investigated microplastic pollution in different land uses, including facility farmland, traditional farmland, orchard, grassland, and woodland. Results showed a significant difference in microplastic abundance and characteristics between different land use types. Facility farmlands, traditional farmlands, and orchard lands had higher microplastic abundance than grasslands and woodlands. The main[…]
The study analysed 225 soil samples from maize planting zones in northern China, revealing that long-term plastic film mulching increases microplastic pollution in agricultural soils. The abundance of microplastics was significantly higher in mulched soils (754 ± 477 items kg-1) than in non-mulched soils (376 ± 149 items kg-1). The length of time with film[…]
The study examined the relative abundances and morphological distributions of microplastics (MPs) in water, sediments, and farmland soils in the Caohai Lake region. The estuary in the study area was considered a potential sink for MP transportation. Transparent and black MPs accounted for a large proportion of MPs in the five environments, with possible sources[…]