Plastic in Groundwater

Currently, plastic pollution is highly studied in the visible parts of the water cycle, i.e., the marine eco-system, surface water, (rivers, lakes), and atmospheric fallout. Yet, the invisible part of the terrestrial water cycle, groundwater, has yet to be explored. Even though groundwater is the key drinking water source, the scientific community has until now overlooked the role that groundwater transport processes play in the fate of plastic pollution. This study aims to explore this unknown territory of plastic pollution. Previous research on groundwater transport processes suggest that particles such as nano- and microplastics have already reached shallow aquifers via leaching along preferential flow paths5 or colloidal facilitated transport. Field site observations and laboratory column experiments in combination with microplastic measurement technologies and novel nanoplastic analysis will investigate small plastic particles in groundwater aquifers. Determination of plastic particle transport properties in groundwater bodies, the largest terrestrial aquatic ecosystem, will help to map threats for clean drinking water for future generations.