Microplastics Contamination Explored in Cave Environments and Invertebrates

Researchers from Saint Louis University have discovered high concentrations of microplastics in a cave system in Missouri that had been closed to human visitors for 30 years. The study found that flooding increases the amount of microplastics in the cave, with the highest concentrations near the entrance and in sediment. Microplastics were almost 100 times more concentrated in sediment than in the water. The findings highlight the need for further research to understand the impact of microplastics on cave ecosystems and to develop strategies to reduce plastic pollution.