Journal of Environmental Quality, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown
Опубликована: Март 19, 2025
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants in aquatic systems, but their presence groundwater, particularly thermal waters, is understudied. This study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of MPs waters Kütahya, Turkey, marking first such exploration country globally groundwater systems. Twenty-one samples (3 L each) were collected across nine regions filtered using GF/C filters (0.45-µm pore size). Microscopic examination μ-Raman spectroscopy revealed an average MP concentration 0.85 ± 0.71 MPs/L (850 MPs/m3), with highest at ST-8 (4.88 2.98 MPs/L). Fibers (50%), fragments (39.8%), films (10.2%) identified, polyethylene (22.2%) being most common polymer type. Variability abundance stations suggests multiple contamination sources, including agricultural runoff, anthropogenic activities, material used water transport infrastructure. The findings indicate low-level which could influence both ecological health human activities relying on these as tourism greenhouse irrigation. pioneering highlights necessity for integrated waste management policies to mitigate pollution underscores role understanding dynamics
Язык: Английский