BGS to lead a new research project on microplastic occurrence in springs
BGS has been awarded a two-year research project to undertake the first assessment of microplastic occurrence in springs in the UK.
06/03/2024 By BGS Press
BGS will begin the first phase of sampling for a two-year research project, ‘Microplastics in groundwater II: springs’, in the next few months. This research is funded by the Environment Agency (England). Sampling will follow site selection, which will be based on access and suitability for obtaining representative groundwater samples, geology and spring discharge criteria.
Around 20 sites across the UK will be investigated for the pilot study, to ensure there’s a reasonable geographical spread that will provide representative data. Chalk and limestone springs with large discharges will be prioritised and will include some spring sources used for public drinking-water supply in England.
The research project is in partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and is funded by the Environment Agency (England). This is an important first UK study to evaluate microplastic pollution in spring sources that are used for drinking water and contribute to river flows and supporting groundwater dependent ecosystems. Results will be published as a BGS open report in April 2025.
Dan Lapworth, BGS Principal Hydrogeochemist.
The research project builds on previous work completed by BGS on developing methods for sampling microplastics in UK groundwater and stygobites.
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