Current status of researches on microplastics in groundwater and perspectives

Plastics are widely used in our daily life and their production and consumption are increasing due to their durability, lightness, and low cost. However, their reuse rate is still low and most of them are disposed into oceans and inland environments, which cause severe environmental problems. At the same time, artificially manufactured and naturally broken plastics, known as microplastics smaller than 5 mm in size, are emerging as a new contaminant, posing a threat to natural ecosystems and human health. Concerns and research interest in microplastics has extended from oceans to inland environments such as stream water and lakes, but little research and investigation has been done in groundwater systems in Korea and other countries. This paper reviews the current status and related problems of the investigation and research on microplastics in the groundwater systems domestically and worldwide, and then suggest constructive comments for effective investigation and management of microplastics in groundwater.