Monitoring & Mitigating Microplastics in Groundwater and Surface Water

Microplastic contamination is an emerging environmental concern impacting groundwater and surface water systems across Australia. This article explores how microplastics enter water sources, the latest monitoring and testing technologies, and effective mitigation and policy measures. As environmental consultants, we outline how integrated assessment and remediation strategies safeguard both the environment and development outcomes.

Understanding Microplastic Contamination in Water Systems

Microplastics — plastic fragments less than five millimetres in size — are now a pervasive environmental pollutant. They originate from sources such as synthetic textiles, degraded packaging, tyre wear, and industrial runoff. Once released, these particles infiltrate drainage systems, waterways, and aquifers, posing ecological and human health risks.

In groundwater systems, microplastics are transported through soil and fractured rock, influenced by permeability, particle density, and groundwater flow. In surface water, they accumulate in sediments, wetlands, and stormwater basins — often acting as carriers for heavy metals and organic pollutants.

Key Contamination Pathways

• Urban and industrial runoff: Microplastics from roads, stormwater, and industrial discharge enter catchments.
  
• Landfill leachate: Degraded plastic waste migrates into groundwater systems.
  
• Construction and development: Site runoff and sediment transport can exacerbate plastic mobility.
  
• Wastewater effluent: Treated and untreated sewage systems release microfibres and microbeads.
  
• Atmospheric deposition: Plastic dust can settle into open water bodies.
  

Effective Groundwater & Surface Water Assessments programs are essential for quantifying contamination, identifying sources, and informing management strategies that align with national and local environmental protection standards.

Advancements in Microplastic Monitoring and Testing Technologies

Accurate detection and quantification of microplastics require advanced analytical techniques. Conventional sampling methods are no longer sufficient to assess contamination risk in complex water environments. At Nova Group Pacific, we apply multi-phase monitoring frameworks that integrate field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data modelling.

Field Sampling and Collection

Sampling strategies depend on site conditions — whether groundwater bores, stormwater outfalls, or open water bodies. We employ:

• Filtration and density separation: To isolate microplastic particles from sediment and water samples.
  
• Micro-sieving techniques: To capture smaller particles across various size fractions.
  
• Grab and composite sampling: To ensure representative and statistically reliable datasets.
  

Laboratory Analysis and Identification

Analytical methods have evolved rapidly, providing greater resolution and accuracy in particle identification:

• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): Identifies polymer types.
  
• Raman spectroscopy: Detects nanoscale plastics and additives.
  
• Thermal analysis (Py-GC/MS): Quantifies polymer mass and chemical composition.
  
• Microscopic imaging: Supports morphological classification and particle count verification.
  

Data Interpretation and Reporting

Data from laboratory testing is integrated with hydrogeological and site-specific parameters to interpret contaminant transport dynamics and assess risk potential. Our Contaminated Land Assessment reporting frameworks align with EPA guidelines, delivering traceable and defensible outcomes that support regulatory compliance.

Mitigation Strategies and Policy Considerations

Mitigating microplastic contamination involves proactive risk management, pollution prevention, and remediation. It demands collaboration between regulators, developers, and environmental consultants to protect water quality and maintain compliance with Australian environmental standards.

Engineering and Operational Controls

• Stormwater treatment systems: Incorporating sediment traps, filtration units, and wetlands to intercept microplastics.
  
• Erosion and sediment control plans: Minimising surface runoff during construction and land disturbance.
  
• Leachate management: Containing and treating landfill runoff to prevent groundwater contamination.
  
• Site-specific remediation: Integrating plastic particle recovery into contaminated land rehabilitation.
  

Policy and Compliance Measures

Australian jurisdictions are progressively recognising microplastics as an emerging contaminant. Current frameworks encourage:

• Pollution prevention hierarchy application — prioritising source reduction over end-of-pipe treatment.
  
• Integration into Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for construction, manufacturing, and waste facilities.
  
• Monitoring under Environment Protection Licences (EPLs) to track compliance and pollutant load.
  
• Adoption of circular economy principles to reduce plastic waste generation at source.
  

Nova Group Pacific partners with industry and government to develop tailored environmental management plans that integrate microplastic monitoring within broader water quality compliance frameworks.

The Role of Environmental Consultants in Microplastic Management

Environmental consultants play a critical role in bridging scientific research, regulatory compliance, and on-ground implementation. Our expertise spans baseline monitoring, impact assessment, and remediation design, providing developers and councils with practical, evidence-based solutions.

Key consultancy functions:

• Baseline environmental assessments before project commencement.
  
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting during construction and operational phases.
  
• Remediation design and oversight for contaminated or at-risk sites.
  
• Stakeholder communication to maintain transparency and compliance.
  

At Nova Group Pacific, we combine technical rigour with practical insight to deliver sustainable outcomes that align with development goals and environmental legislation.

Building a Resilient Future: Reducing Microplastic Risks

Microplastic contamination underscores the need for integrated water management strategies that balance economic growth with ecological integrity. As development intensifies, monitoring, testing, and mitigation will become standard components of environmental due diligence.

We advocate for a whole-of-system approach — addressing plastic generation, use, and disposal throughout project lifecycles. Through proactive monitoring and remediation, we can prevent contamination, protect water resources, and ensure compliance with evolving Australian environmental standards.

For organisations seeking to assess or mitigate microplastic risks in groundwater and surface water, Nova Group Pacific provides comprehensive consulting, monitoring, and remediation services tailored to site-specific conditions.

Protect your project and the environment with expert guidance. Book a consultation with our experts to discuss tailored monitoring and mitigation strategies for microplastic contamination.