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Cave sediment sequesters anthropogenic microparticles (including microplastics and modified cellulose) in subsurface
Elizabeth A Hasenmueller1, Teresa Baraza1, Natalie F Hernandez1
1WATER Institute, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States; Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63108, United States.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 11, 2023
Summary
Anthropogenic microparticles, primarily fibers, contaminate cave water and sediment. Cave sediment sequesters these microparticles, posing a potential pollution risk to subterranean environments and water resources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Anthropogenic microparticles are globally pervasive but their subsurface distribution remains poorly understood.
- Caves represent sensitive subsurface environments potentially impacted by microparticle pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the amount and characteristics of anthropogenic microparticles in cave water and sediment.
- To investigate the distribution and storage of microparticles within a karst system.
Main Methods:
- Collection of water and sediment samples during flood and low-flow conditions from a US cave.
- Analysis of anthropogenic microparticles using visual identification and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
- Geochemical analysis of water and particle size analysis of sediment.
Main Results:
- Anthropogenic microparticles, mainly fibers, were found in all samples.
- Sediment contained approximately 100 times more microparticles than water, indicating sediment sequestration.
- Microplastic concentrations were uniform in sediment but low in water; treated cellulosic microparticles increased downstream.
Conclusions:
- Cave sediment acts as a significant sink for anthropogenic microparticle pollution.
- Karst systems are intruded by microparticles, with sediment becoming a potential source of legacy pollution.
- Anthropogenic microparticles can be transported and stored within subsurface environments like caves.
