Keywords: Microplastics, Groundwater, Aquifer, Lysimeter.

 

Education of the Young Researcher:
2013-2018: BSc in Environmental Sciences, Analysis of the Evolution of the Chemical Quality of the Waters of the Upper Basin of the Manzanares River.
2019-2021: MSc in Integrated Water Management, Internship in Slovenian Water Management Entities: Water Institute of the Republic of Slovenia and Geological Survey of Slovenia. 

 

Content:

The doctorate study investigates the presence and transport dynamics of microplastics in Slovenian groundwater, focusing on both intergranular and karst aquifers. The research aims to assess the occurrence of microplastics in groundwater bodies and analyse their migration through the unsaturated gravel zone using novel monitoring and tracing techniques. The study follows a two-phase approach: (1) field sampling and chemical analysis of microplastic particles in Slovenian aquifers, and (2) controlled transport experiments in lysimeters to evaluate factors influencing microplastic movement. The findings will contribute to understanding microplastic pollution in groundwater and aid in developing standardized methodologies for detection and monitoring.

 

Selected Bibliography:
 

1. Colmenarejo Calero, E., Kovač Viršek, M., Mali, N. Microplastics in groundwater: pathways, occurrence, and monitoring challenges. Water. 2024, vol. 16, no. 9, 22 p. ISSN 2073-4441. DiRROS - Digital Repository of Research Organisations of Slovenia, DOI: 10.3390/w16091228. [COBISS.SI-ID 194725635]

2. Kovač Viršek, M., Bizjak, T., Colmenarejo Calero, E., Zabet, K., Koroša, A., Miler, M., MaIi, N. GWMicroPlast project - researching microplastics in groundwater. In: EGU General Assembly 2024: Vienna, Austria & online, 14-19 April 2024. Göttingen: EGU - European Geosciences Union. 2024, 1 online resource. DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16845. [COBISS.SI-ID 195436547]

3. Colmenarejo Calero, E., Kovač Viršek, M., Bizjak, T., MaIi, N. Microplastics pollution in groundwater: case study - Slovenia. In: EGU General Assembly 2024: Vienna, Austria & online, 14-19 April 2024. Göttingen: EGU - European Geosciences Union. 2024, 1 online resource. DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu24-15458. [COBISS.SI-ID 195437315]

4. MaIi, N., Koroša, A., Colmenarejo Calero, E., Kozjek, M., Miler, M., Kovač Viršek, M. Microplastics in groundwater. In: RMAN, Nina (ed.), BRAČIČ-ŽELEZNIK, Branka (ed.), ŽVAB ROŽIČ, Petra (ed.). "Knowing the (in)visible - the role of geology in our society": 6th Slovenian Geological Congress : book of abstracts : October 3-5, 2022, Rogaška Slatina. Ljubljana: Slovene Geological Society, 2022. pp. 60. ISBN 978-961-95928-0-9. [COBISS.SI-ID 125242627]

5. Colmenarejo Calero, Elvira. Análisis de la evolución de la calidad química de las aguas de la Cuenca Alta del río Manzanares. Cuadernos de estudios. 2019, no. 33, pp. 185-203. ISSN 1133-0813. [COBISS.SI-ID 141542403]

6. Cañadas Fernándes, M., Colmena García, V., Colmenarejo Calero, E., Corral García, R., & García Molinero, L. Estudio y análisis de calidad de aguas en los términos municipales de Colmenar Viejo y Soto del Real, Madrid. Cuadernos de estudios. 2017, no. 31, pp. 47-60. ISSN 1133-0813. [COBISS.SI-ID 141534723]