River–Groundwater Interaction and Recharge Effects on Microplastics Contamination of Groundwater in Confined Alluvial Aquifers

Literature provides only a few examples of contamination groundwater with microplastics, mainly investigated using chemical approach. Little importance is given to the hydrogeological processes able affect contamination, such as river–groundwater interactions. This study was carried out two aims. The first aim formulation method high result-to-cost ratio, based on aspects area. Microplastics were extracted from samples through filtration and successively counted characterized morphologically analysis optical microscopy images. second evaluate presence microplastics in some portions an alluvial aquifer this methodology. showed higher circularity Feret diameter than those found surface waters, indicating that porous aquifers transport likely more influenced by microplastics’ shape their size. recharge did not modify characteristics groundwater, whereas water flood wave promoted resuspension lower circularity. These findings provide new pieces evidence both underlining how area can be one main drivers contamination.