Climate change and plastic pollution are two main issues that our world is currently facing, and they are mainly linked through various processes, mechanisms, and chemical blueprint. Emerging issues related to microplastic (MP) contamination in freshwater are expanding and diverse research is being carried out globally. Factors causing climate change are increasing the frequency of extreme weather phenomena such as floods, drought, sea level rise, and heat waves, which can directly or indirectly influence the plastic/MP contamination in various ecosystems including groundwater environments. Here, we review the impacts of extreme weather events on MP contamination in freshwater with a specific focus on groundwater environments. This narrative review shows that flooding can have the most adverse effect on the MP pollution in groundwater environments through recharge events. Drought can also have major effects on MP pollution. Karst, alluvial, and coastal aquifers exhibit the highest levels of MP contamination among various aquifer types. Climate change's impact on different types of aquifers can vary depending on hydrogeological conditions and other factors in the groundwater environment. Prevention and comprehensive solutions are crucial for addressing MPs in the environment, with downstream measures being supplementary to upstream ones.

Waterborne pathogens and associated diseases continue to pose a significant global health challenge, requiring effective monitoring, detection, and treatment strategies. This review examines the current state of waterborne pathogen management, highlighting persistent issues and recent advancements. Here, we review cutting-edge detection methods and treatment technology, emphasizing their roles in water safety and outbreak prevention. The impact of climate change on waterborne pathogen dynamics is explored, alongside a discussion of interdisciplinary research approaches. We also aimed to investigate the crucial relationship between waterborne disease control and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on community engagement, well-being, water sanitation, public health policies, and international cooperation. The PRISMA protocol systematic process was used to filter papers for this study and carry out the review process. Machine learning and remote sensing techniques are promising features in the pathogen detection field. SDGs 3, 6, 11, 13, and 17 are the most closely interrelated with waterborne diseases. This review provides an in-depth overview of waterborne pathogen management, contributing to improved global water quality and public health strategies. This integrated approach aims to enhance health outcomes and promote resilience against waterborne diseases, particularly for vulnerable communities.

In 2017, at least 770 sinkholes were reported to occur in Cebu City, a populated town in the Philippines dominantly underlain by karstic formations. In this study, the genesis and development of these sinkholes were related to various geomorphologic, geologic, and hydrologic factors in order to determine their influence on sinkhole distribution in the area using GIS-based spatial analyses. Results show that the sinkhole frequency varies with respect to the relative age of the underlying karstic formation, slope, and elevation. Most sinkholes occur on younger bedrock, low slope, and low elevation areas. However, sinkholes that occur on younger bedrock are significantly smaller in area than those in older bedrock; in terms of total area, the sum of the areas of sinkholes are greater on relatively older bedrock. Other factors found to influence sinkhole occurrence were lineaments and streams. GIS-based analyses of sinkholes such as those presented in this study are useful for sinkhole susceptibility prediction and disaster risk reduction management efforts of communities.

Karstification is influenced by numerous factors, such as climate, geomorphology, and anthropogenic processes. Karstified areas are usually faced with numerous karst-related problems such as sinkhole formation, ground subsidence, and groundwater vulnerability. We evaluated the karstification potential of central Cebu, Philippines using Raster Overlay Analysis (ROA) in a geographic information system (GIS) platform. Raster Overlay uses multiple thematic maps which represent the different factors affecting karstification. Thematic factors include precipitation, temperature, vegetation density, elevation, slope, drainage density, lineament density, and geology. These factors were then correlated with the generated karstification potential map using the Cell Statistics tool. ROA reveals that more than 65% of central Cebu has low to moderate karstification potential. Areas with moderate to very high karstification potential coincide with locations of nine known caves. Cell Statistics reveal that the karstification potential map is strongly correlated with precipitation and is least correlated with drainage density. Information on the karstification of an area underlain by highly soluble bedrock is beneficial to effective land use planning and reduction of hazards related to karst degradation and collapse.