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Microplastics as the vector for the attachment of polychlorinated biphenyls: A case study of urbanized Langat River, Malaysia
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels at six sites along the urbanized Langat River in Malaysia, finding microplastics acting as vectors that adsorb and transport PCBs with concentrations highest at sites with the greatest industrial activity.
Researchers worldwide are currently facing an issue of microplastics and toxic chemical pollution in the ecosystem. Microplastics transport toxic chemicals in the ecosystem as a vector. This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of microplastics and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the surface water of the Langat River, Malaysia, across six sites ranging from the open sea to riverine areas. Microplastic concentrations varied from 0.82 to 17.14 items/m, with the highest levels observed at the station (S6), likely due to increased domestic and industrial activities. The surfaces of microplastics exhibited cracks, pitholes, particle adherence and diatom, with aluminium (Al) and potassium (K) detected via Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) screening multiple PCB congeners on the microplastic surfaces, with PCB-28, PCB-42, PCB-101, and PCB-153 being among the most common. Environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and pH influenced the sorption behaviour of PCBs, open sea conditions enhancing diffusion and potentially stabilizing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), while estuarine conditions impact surface charges on microplastics. The adsorption of PCBs onto microplastics, involves complex chemical and physicals mechanisms including hydrophobic interactions, π-π interactions and hydrogen-bonding, among the others. These findings emphasize the role of microplastics as substrate for co-pollutants attachment, thus the need for routine monitoring of microplastics in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia riverine.
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Occurrence and distribution of microplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments from the Qiantang River and Hangzhou Bay, China
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Researchers investigated the co-occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments of the Qiantang River and Hangzhou Bay in China, finding microplastic concentrations were highest in urban river sections and identifying correlations between microplastic abundance and PCB levels.
Contamination by microplastics and sorbed organic pollutants in the surface waters of the Tietê River, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination and associated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollution in the surface waters of Brazil's Tiete River. The study found microplastic concentrations ranging from 6.67 to 1,530 particles per cubic meter, predominantly polyethylene and polypropylene fragments and fibers, with higher PCB concentrations adsorbed onto smaller-sized microplastic particles.
Microplastics as vector for persistent organic pollutants in urban effluents: The role of Polychlorinated Biphenyls
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This study examined microplastics in urban stormwater and wastewater effluents, finding that they can carry persistent organic pollutants into receiving water bodies. The research underscores the role of microplastics as vectors for chemical contamination in urban water systems.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Kemena River and Niah River of Sarawak, Malaysia
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Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence in water and riverbed sediments of the Kemena and Niah Rivers in Sarawak, Malaysia, finding that urbanization along these rivers correlates with higher microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments.
Assessing the Interrelationship Between Microplastics and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Contamination in Chinese Mangrove Sediment
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Researchers quantified polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations on microplastics extracted from mangrove sediments across representative sites in China, investigating the interrelationship between MP pollution dynamics and PCB contamination in these critical intertidal ecosystems. The study reveals how mangrove sediments accumulate both MPs and co-associated hydrophobic organic contaminants, highlighting combined pollution risks.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.