Abstract:
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly detected in soil and groundwater sources
across various regions, often originating from agricultural, industrial and urban activities.
Although microplastics are extensively studied in soil, sediments, marine and freshwater
ecosystems, there has been less research on their presence in groundwater. PRISMA
protocol was used to conduct this systematic review, aimed to (a) explore the main sources
and type of MPs in groundwater with their transportation pathways, (b) identify the impact
of MPs contaminated groundwater on human health and plant productivity and (c) discuss
the potential strategies for eliminate MPs pollution in groundwater. This review was
conducted using 32 peer-reviewed, English language articles, published between 2012 to
2025 on science direct, springer, AGRICOLA, FAOSTAT, Wiley online library with
keywords including “microplastic”, “groundwater”, “contamination”, “Agriculture”,
“Industrial and urban Activities”, “human/ plant health”. The findings reveal that major
sources of MPs were from the industries that release unpurified wastewater, sewage
sludge, agricultural inputs such as mulches, compost, plastic pots/trays/ greenhouse
polythene, agrochemicals, seed encapsulating agents, machineries, livestock farming and
irrigation. These pollutants degrade within the soil by UV radiation, mechanical stress,
chemical and microbiological activities and then reach groundwater systems via leaching,
infiltration via surface water and percolation through soil pores. Due to the Use of MPs
contaminated Groundwater as irrigation water for plants and direct ingestion by humans
may lead to the accumulation of MPs in edible plant parts, with potential risk via
bioaccumulation and biomagnification to human health. MPs have been linked to oxidative
stress, endocrine disruption and chronic inflammation. MPs inside plants can disrupt
normal physiological processes, causing disorders and reducing plant growth by blocking
water and nutrient uptake. Pyrolysis, substituting plastics with biodegradable alternatives,
plastic filtration, and subsequent chemical or biological degradation are suggested to
reduce the MPs contamination in soil and groundwater. Addressing microplastic
contamination in groundwater is crucial for safeguarding water resources, protecting
public health, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Keywords:
Environmental sustainability;
Groundwater contamination; Microplastic
pollution; Plastic waste; Remediation strategies; Water quality
