We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Disturbances of MPs on nitrogen in surface water: A case study of Chinese water bodies in the past three years
Summary
This study investigated whether the presence of microplastics in Chinese rivers and lakes correlates with nitrogen pollution — specifically ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen levels. Analyzing water quality data collected over three years, the researchers found statistical associations suggesting that microplastics disturb nitrogen cycling in surface waters, potentially by affecting the microbial communities that process nitrogen compounds. Understanding this interaction matters because both microplastics and excess nitrogen are major threats to freshwater ecosystem health.
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in surface waters, yet their impact on nitrogen concentrations remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between MPs and both ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) and total nitrogen (TN) through statistical analysis. Over the past three years, NH₃-N concentrations in Chinese rivers have ranged from 0.02 to 3.18 mg/L, while TN concentrations have varied between 0.741 and 10.18 mg/L. The abundance of MPs in these waters ranges from 1.75 to 1450.011 items/L. Research indicates that MPs can promote ammonification, leading to an increase in NH₃-N accumulation by inhibiting nitrification and nitrogen assimilation processes. Conversely, MPs accelerate the removal of TN by enhancing denitrification activity. The results reveal that electrical conductivity (EC) is a key mediating factor in the impact of MPs on nitrogen in water bodies (standardized path coefficient: 0.521). For the first time, this study identifies a threshold effect for MPs in surface waters: a threshold of 3.854 items/L (P < 0.001) was determined, above which the efficiency of total nitrogen removal decreases. This research provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the impact of MPs on the nitrogen cycle in surface waters.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effects of microplastics on inorganic nitrogen dynamics in surface water sediments under different disturbance intensities
Laboratory experiments showed that microplastics in sediments alter nitrogen cycling in freshwater systems in ways that depend strongly on concentration: low levels boosted ammonium release, while high levels suppressed it and amplified nitrate consumption. These disruptions to the nitrogen cycle could affect water quality and aquatic productivity, especially in systems that are frequently disturbed by dredging or flooding.
[Response of Relationship Between Microplastic Abundance and Nitrogen Metabolism Function Microorganisms and Genes in Water].
Researchers investigated the relationship between microplastic abundance and nitrogen-metabolizing microorganisms and genes in Lake Ulansuhai using microscopy and metagenomic sequencing, finding that microplastics in freshwater environments significantly influenced the composition and activity of nitrogen metabolism functional bacteria and associated genes.
Current status of microplastic pollution in China’s aquatic environment and its interactions with metal pollutants on aquatic organisms
Researchers reviewed the current state of microplastic pollution in China's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters and how microplastics interact with metal pollutants to affect aquatic organisms. They found that microplastics can absorb metals from the water and that the combined exposure is often more harmful to aquatic life than either pollutant alone. The study highlights that tire wear microplastics are a particularly concerning source because they release high levels of metals, creating compounding risks for freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Effect of microplastics on ecosystem functioning: Microbial nitrogen removal mediated by benthic invertebrates
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics affect nitrogen removal in freshwater sediments where chironomid larvae and microorganisms coexist. They found that while microplastics and larvae each individually promoted nitrogen removal by boosting denitrifying bacteria, combining them together produced less benefit than expected. The study suggests that rising microplastic concentrations may disrupt the natural nitrogen cycling that benthic invertebrates help maintain in freshwater ecosystems.
Status and characteristics of microplastic pollution in Chinese freshwater environment
This review summarizes research on microplastic distribution, toxic effects on organisms, and interactions with other pollutants in Chinese freshwater environments. The paper calls for strengthened regulation and monitoring of microplastics in China's lakes, rivers, and water supplies.