Geology

Karst

Aquifer

Groundwater

Pollutant

Biology

Environmental chemistry

Contamination

Effluent

Paleontology

Chemistry

Geotechnical engineering

Ecology

Microplastics

Hydrology (agriculture)

Environmental science

Environmental engineering

Ground Water

Groundwater in karst aquifers constitutes about 25% of drinking water sources globally. Karst aquifers are open systems, susceptible to contamination by surface‐borne pollutants. In this study, springs and wells from two karst aquifers in Illinois, USA, were found to contain microplastics and other anthropogenic contaminants. All microplastics were fibers, with a maximum concentration of 15.2 particles/L. The presence of microplastic was consistent with other parameters, including phosphate, chloride and triclosan, suggesting septic effluent as a source. More studies are needed on microplastic sources, abundance, and impacts on karst ecosystems.

Microplastic Contamination in Karst Groundwater Systems