Impact of a nanofiltration system on microplastic contamination in Geneva groundwater (Switzerland).

ABSTRACT: Microplastics (MPs) have been observed in the oceans, fresh waters, karstic water and remote water bodies. However, little is known on groundwater contamination, which is a natural resource of utmost importance for millions of people and is often perceived as a reliable source of water. Moreover, nanofiltration is perceived as a reliable technology to remove contaminants from water. In this study, large sample volumes of a silty-sandy gravel aquifer and the corresponding nanofiltered water were analysed for the presence of MPs (> 20 µm) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. Concentration in ground water was 8 ± 7 MPs/m³ and increased to 36 ± 11 MPs/m³ in nanofiltered water. All MPs had a maximum Ferret diameter lower than 500 µm. Size distribution of MPs

SUBMITTER: Negrete Velasco A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10881595 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature