Microplastics (MPs) are a global problem, contaminating also remote areas,
being them extremely mobile. However, MP pollution is poorly known in karst
areas, especially in subterranean environment. Groundwater in karst
aquifers constitutes about 25% of the global drinking water sources and karst
caves are one of the most important and well-known geological features in
the world, fragile sites with an exceptional scientific value, rich in endemic
fauna, an environmental and cultural heritages, as well as an important
economic resource. MPs can endanger the fragile subterranean
ecosystems, be ingested by animals, irreversibly damage speleothems and
paleontological/archaeological findings depositing on them and pollute karst
aquifers. Extending the research started for the Italian project PRIN
SHOWCAVE [1], the aim of this study is to investigate and monitor MP
pollution in karst superficial and subterranean environments from a
geological, biological and environmental point of view, in order to define
strategies for protection and conservation purposes. A new detection
technique has been developed to study cave sediments [2], subsequently
adapted to the different studied matrices. Samples from different karst areas
of Italy were collected and investigated. The sediments of three show caves
were analyzed, highlighting the presence of MPs and the damaging of
speleothems and paleontological remains. Superficial and underground
water samples of the Bossea karst system (Piedmont) were analyzed,
showing MP pollution in all examined waters, underlining the importance of
the entire aquifer karst systems monitoring, even susceptible to
contamination by surface pollutants. Different water environment samples of
springs and caves in Carso system (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) were collected
and will be analyzed to verify the MP pollution in different habitats, hosting
particularly protected species such as Proteus anguinus. Sediment samples
in a not jet explored caves will be collected to verify the MPs pollution even
in underground environments not directly affected by human presence