Presence of microplastics in the groundwater of volcanic islands, El Hierro and La Palma (Canary Islands)

The increasing amount of plastic litter worldwide is a serious problem for the environment and its biodiversity, ecosystems, animal and human welfare and the economy. The degradation of these plastics leads to microplastics (MPs), which have been reported for the first time in groundwater in the Canary archipelago. This research investigates the presence of MPs at nine different points on La Palma and El Hierro, where samples were collected in galleries, wells and springs during the month of December 2022. Six different polymers were found with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) - polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cellulose (CEL), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The particle concentrations found ranged from 1 to 23 n/L, with a maximum particle size of 1900 μm, the smallest being 35 μm. PP and PE were the most common polymers found in the analysis, associated with the use of packaging, disposable products, textiles and water pipes, related to poorly maintained sewerage networks where leaks occur, allowing these MPs to escape into the environment and end up in groundwater. The detection of microplastic pollution in groundwater emphasises environmental hazards, including biodiversity disruption and water source contamination. Additionally, it presents potential risks to human health by transferring contaminants into the food chain and through respiratory exposure.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Rodríguez-Alcántara, Joselin S., Contreras-Llin, Albert, Cruz-Pérez, Noelia, García Gil, Alejandro, Baquedano, Carlos, Marazuela, Miguel Ángel, Díaz-Cruz, M. Silvia, León, Jorge Martínez, Santamarta, Juan C.
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier 2024-04-09
Subjects:	Water quality, Aquifer contamination, Environmental impact, Microplastic accumulation, Plastic waste, Transport and dispersion of microplastics, Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/354333 https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85189930154
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!