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.
This paper characterizes the fungal and bacterial colonizers of 5 types of plastic films (High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate) throughout a 242-day incubation in the south-eastern Mediterranean and relates them to the chemical changes observed on the surface of the samples via ATR-FTIR. Neither bacterial nor fungal community structures were related[…]
This paper provides insights into the sustainable alternatives that can replace conventional plastic mulches, such as biodegradable mulches made from natural fibers and biopolymers. The microscopic and FTIR analyses conducted during the study showed the degradation of the fibers from the mulches during the exposure time to a certain extent. The nonwoven mulches provide higher[…]
This paper investigates the degradation of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) and traditional polyethylene (PE) plastic under two typical abiotic conditions: ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and mechanical abrasion (MA) for up to nine months. The quantitative analysis of the degradation products was carried out using membrane filtration and total organic carbon determination (MF-TOCD). The results[…]
This paper identifies technological innovation, policy formulation, advocacy and sensitization, and bioremediation as some of the approaches that are currently used for the mitigation of plastic pollution in Nigeria. This chapter also highlights the need to encourage, enhance, and disseminate scientific research on mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution in Nigeria. It concluded with[…]
This review provides insights into the sources of microplastics, the ecotoxicity of microplastics, and the impact microplastics have on aquatic and marine life, management, and bioremediation of microplastics. Policies and strategies adopted by the government to combat microplastic pollution are also discussed in this review. Microplastics tend to accumulate in many aquatic systems, contaminate them,[…]