Evidence of microplastics in groundwater : A growing risk for human health

In recent years, microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant in groundwater, have raised public health concerns due to their long persistence and potential ecotoxicity. This review discusses 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. Public health risks associated with exposure to MPs, primarily through daily consumption of contaminated water, have been reviewed. This study recorded a total of 13 studies that evaluated MPs in groundwater; samples were mostly collected from open wells and other types of drilling. It recorded MP concentrations varied from 0.1 to 6832 particles/L. The most frequent polymer types reported in groundwater were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), and polystyrene (PS). Our analysis of existing literature found that studies on MPs in groundwater have mainly been conducted in coastal areas, particularly 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. The existing literature has challenges in comparing research findings due to heterogeneity in sample collection and processing protocols. This review recommended more research to examine a larger variety of groundwater aquifer systems, such as drinking water collecting wells near urban, agricultural, industrial, and coastal locations, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and sources of MP contamination in groundwater and the associated public health risks. Lastly, this paper concluded with the potential human intake of MPs and health risk assessment perspectives for future directions.
QC 20230817