Microplastics Detected in Groundwater

Low concentrations of microplastics are present in Illinois’ karst groundwater, according to a preliminary study completed in spring 2018. This is the first time that microplastics have been detected in groundwater. The study was conducted in collaboration with scientists at the Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois State Water Survey, Loyola University Chicago, and ISTC. Full study results published in Panno, S.V., Kelly, W.R., Scott, J., Zheng, W., McNeish, R.E., Holm, N., Hoellein, T.J. and Baranski, E.L. (2019), Microplastic Contamination in Karst Groundwater Systems. Groundwater, 57: 189-196. doi:10.1111/gwat.12862.League of Women Voters of Jo Daviess County; Illinois State Geological Survey; Illinois State Water Survey; Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (Hazardous Waste Research Fund);. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ; 074483-15907); National Science Foundation (CAREER 1553835).Ope