Plastics in karst groundwater systems

This project is focussed on the fate and impact of plastic pollution in karst groundwater systems.

Plastic contamination is pervasive and a serious global issue, contaminating even remote locations such as deep underground water stores.

However, there has been almost no research undertaken on the occurrence and fate of plastics in groundwater systems which are key drinking water supplies around the world.

Some of the most important groundwater stores are found in karstic terrains, often characterised by the presence of cave networks, sink holes and rapid subsurface transport of pollutants.

Around 14% of the earths land surface is covered by karst terrains and 25% of the global population completely or partially dependent on drinking water from karst systems.

Chalk is an example of a karst system which in Europe we rely on heavily for drinking water - yet there is no published research on microplastic pollution in UK karst. This project will assess micro (1-1000 micron) and nano-plastic (