1. Baseline assessment of microplastic occurrence in groundwater from alluvial and karst aquifersElvira Colmenarejo Calero, Manca Kovač Viršek, Nina Mali, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: The occurrence of microplastics in groundwater remains insufficiently documented, particularly across contrasting hydrogeological settings. This study provides the first baseline assessment of microplastic contamination in Slovenian groundwater by comparing its occurrence in urban alluvial and karst aquifers, which represent important drinking-water resources in Slovenia. Groundwater was sampled at 19 sites (8 alluvial, 11 karst) using a large-volume in situ filtration system, with three 1 m3 replicates collected at each site. Polymer composition was confirmed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Microplastics were detected at nearly all sampling sites, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 13.33 particles/m3 (mean: 4.65 particles/m3). Although no statistically significant differences in microplastic occurrence were observed between aquifer types at the available sample size, average concentrations were slightly higher in alluvial aquifers, whereas karst systems showed greater site-level variability. Differences in particle characteristics were observed between aquifer types, with fragments predominating in alluvial aquifers, and fibres and larger particles proportionally more abundant in karst springs. These patterns are consistent with differences in groundwater flow and filtration processes between karst and alluvial aquifers. Polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the most frequently identified polymers across all samples. Correlations between microplastic concentrations and selected water-quality parameters, particularly temperature and nitrate, were identified. Overall, the results emphasise the relevance of hydrogeological context for interpreting microplastic occurrence in groundwater and provide baseline information to support future monitoring efforts.
Keywords: microplastics, groundwater, karst aquifers, alluvial aquifers, hydrogeological setting, baseline assessment, ATR-FTIR
Published in DiRROS: 09.09.2026; Views: 29; Downloads: 27
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4. Opredelitev in utemeljitev najprimernejših morskih vrst za monitoring odpadkov in mikroodpadkov v bioti (MSFD D10C3 in D10C4) : zaključno poročiloMartina Orlando-Bonaca, Ana Fortič, Lovrenc Lipej, Ana Lokovšek, Borut Mavrič, Valentina Pitacco, Andreja Ramšak, Domen Trkov, Manca Kovač Viršek, final research report Keywords: okvirna direktiva o morski strategiji, deskriptor 10, bioindikatorji, D10C3, D10C4
Published in DiRROS: 11.06.2026; Views: 319; Downloads: 139
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7. Sampling and identification of microplastics in groundwaterManca Kovač Viršek, Tine Bizjak, Nejc Bizjak, Nina Mali, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Microplastics pollution in groundwater remains significantly underreported within scientific literature. This paper presents a comprehensive protocol outlining the methodology for the sampling of groundwater from boreholes, as well as the steps of microplastics separation and analysis. It provides an extensive description of a filtration sampling system designed specifically for this purpose, along with the detailed sampling procedure. In addition, it presents the laboratory analysis of microplastic particles, including their characterization based on size, shape, color, transparency, and chemical structure using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Factors that can influence results are discussed, and special attention is paid to preventing contamination of samples. The methodology described also considers the requirements of the Annex of Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2024/1441 of 11 March 2024, supplementing Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council. This comprehensive written protocol, accompanied by video guidance, is intended to support the development of a synchronized methodology for monitoring microplastics in groundwater or drinking water. This resource will be of interest to researchers in the field of microplastics worldwide.
Keywords: microplastics, groundwater, spectroscopic methods, pollution
Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 1074; Downloads: 532
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9. The need for innovations to secure the future of artisanal mussel farming in the coastal sea of the Gulf of Trieste (Slovenia)Andreja Ramšak, Tine Bizjak, Uroš Robič, Manca Kovač Viršek, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Mariculture along the Slovene coastline is mainly mussel culture operated as a family business; in one case, it is combined with sea bass farming. It started in the early 70 s with cultivation of Mediterranean mussels, while today, the two largest producers incorporate the cultivation of Venus clams and oysters as species with higher economic value on the market. Currently, all mussels and clams produced in Slovenia are sold in the Slovenian, Italian, Croatian and French markets. The production of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) has increased steadily, with the main obstacles being a limited area for cultivation, occasional harmful algal blooms, predation by gilthead seabream and flatworms. In addition, more recent summer heatwaves negatively affected mussel production when seawater reached high temperatures at the thermal limits unsuitable for mussel growth. This study aimed to collect first-hand information about the current mussel production technology, processes and needs to identify opportunities for innovations that could benefit the entire sector (increased knowledge, production yield, reduced workload and effort with administrative issues). The study was based on a semi-structured questionnaire with the owners of mussel farms. Analysis of the questionnaire was supplemented with current knowledge from the field and provided comprehensive insight into a small sector of mussel farming along the Slovenian coast and its possible development in the future.
Keywords: mussel farming, Mediterranean mussel, aquaculture, socio-economic impact, Gulf of Trieste, Slovenia
Published in DiRROS: 03.06.2024; Views: 1678; Downloads: 1015
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10. Microplastics in groundwater: pathways, occurrence, and monitoring challengesElvira Colmenarejo Calero, Manca Kovač Viršek, Nina Mali, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, are considered an emerging pollutant. Their presence in the water cycle and their interaction with ecological processes pose a significant environmental threat. As groundwater (GW) represents the primary source of drinking water, monitoring MPs in GW and investigating their potential sources and pathways is of urgent importance. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the primary contamination pathways of MPs from surface water, seawater, and soil into the GW. Moreover, it presents an examination of the occurrence of MPs in GW and identifies the challenges associated with their monitoring in GW. This study also discusses the difficulties associated with comparing research results related to MPs in GW, as well as indicating the need for implementing standardised techniques for their sampling and detection. On the basis of our experience and the literature review, we highlight the importance of understanding the specific hydrogeological and hydrogeographic conditions, collecting representative samples, using sampling devices with comparable specifications and comparable laboratory techniques for MP identification, and preventing contamination at all stages of the monitoring process. This review offers valuable insights and practical guidelines on how to improve the reliability and comparability of results between studies monitoring MPs in GW.
Keywords: microplastics, groundwater, sampling, monitoring, aquifer, borehole
Published in DiRROS: 15.05.2024; Views: 2472; Downloads: 678
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