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Seasonal and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in the Can Tho River (Mekong Delta, Vietnam): Occurrence and Characteristics
Summary
Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) at every single testing site along Vietnam's Can Tho River, in both dry and wet seasons—showing this pollution is widespread and constant, not a one-time event. Since this river is a water source in a densely populated delta region, these findings matter because they suggest people living nearby may be regularly exposed to microplastics through their water supply, though this study didn't directly test health effects. The research gives scientists a baseline to track pollution trends and push for better waste management to reduce plastic contamination in drinking water sources.
Microplastic pollution in tropical urban rivers has become an increasing environmental concern due to rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management, and hydrological transport processes. This study investigated the occurrence, characteristics, and spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in the Can Tho River, Vietnam, along an urban–peri-urban–rural gradient during dry and wet seasons. Surface-water samples were collected at 15 sites and analyzed for microplastic abundance, density, shape, color, and size composition using stereomicroscopic identification and statistical analyses. Microplastics were detected at all sampling sites in both seasons, indicating widespread contamination throughout the river system. Although seasonal differences in overall abundance and density were not statistically significant at the basin scale, clear spatial variability was observed, particularly in urban and peri-urban regions. Fibers and fragments were the dominant shapes, while blue, purple, and green particles were the most common color categories. Particles larger than 1000 µm accounted for the largest proportion of detected microplastics, and continuous size-distribution analysis revealed broadly similar overall distributions, although a greater proportion of smaller particles was observed during the dry season. The results suggest that hydrological conditions, urbanization, and land-use characteristics may contribute to the observed spatial and seasonal patterns of microplastic distribution in the Can Tho River. Peri-urban zones exhibited the greatest seasonal variability, highlighting their role as transitional areas that may influence microplastic redistribution in tropical river systems. This study provides baseline information for understanding microplastic pollution in the Mekong Delta and supports future river management strategies.