Microplastics: A potential threat to groundwater resources

The presence of microplastics in various abiotic and biotic matrices has sought the attention of researchers across the globe. Despite being subsurface, groundwater is also reported to be contaminated with microplastics. However, there is paucity of information regarding the major pathways responsible for microplastic contami-nation in groundwater. Further, information is altogether lacking about the assessment methodologies for microplastics' contamination in the subsurface zone. Therefore, in this review paper, we aim to provide insights into various interaction pathways among the surface and subsurface sources through which groundwater gets contaminated. The novel feature of the review is that it also attempts to establish a conceptual framework for modelling the microplastic contamination in groundwater, where the extent of contamination was ascertained by combining the movement of microplastic particles and the movement of associated additives/plasticizers. As groundwater is one of the important sources for drinking as well as irrigation, potential impacts of microplastics' contamination onto the human health and soil ecology is also discussed. Possible management strategies have also been summarized. Thus, this review will provide a complete depiction and consequences of the micro -plastics' contamination in groundwater and therefore serve as a starting point for future researchers in the area of groundwater microplastics.

Automated summary

This review paper provides insights into the pathways and assessment methodologies of microplastic contamination in groundwater, as well as discusses the potential impacts on human health and soil ecology. Possible management strategies are also summarized, serving as a starting point for future research in groundwater microplastics.