We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic pollution in urban drainage systems discharging into the alpine lakes of Como and Lugano, Italy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic pollution in the urban drainage systems of two Italian cities that discharge into alpine lakes Como and Lugano. They found that combined sewer overflows during rainstorms released significantly more microplastics than normal dry-weather flows, making storm events a major source of contamination. The study highlights how urban runoff carries microplastics into lakes that are used for drinking water and recreation, creating potential exposure pathways for nearby communities.
Urban stormwater outfalls and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) represent major sources of MPs pollution in receiving water bodies. This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation on MPs pollution from combined sewerage systems and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) discharging into two alpine lakes in northern Italy. Spatial and temporal trends of MPs concentrations and loads are investigated in the sewerage under dry-weather conditions and during representative rainfall events in the period September 2022-January 2023. The study allows the identification of key factors which contribute to higher MPs emissions. The acquired waste- and storm-water samples (2 L each) were dried and subjected to chemical oxidation with H2O2 before optical microscopy and infrared spectroscopy analysis. Dry-weather sewerage MPs concentration exhibits an average of 17.6 mg/L and standard deviation of 2.1 mg/L in dry-weather, with slightly higher values for the system with the lower per capita water supply. The daily mass of MPs directed to the treatment in the tourist season (i.e., September) is slightly above 50 % of the average daily mass characterizing the subsequent non-tourist months. Wet-weather MPs concentration is relatively lower (average of 12.9 mg/L, standard deviation of 2.0 mg/L), these values depending on the relative importance of the stormwater flow from the directly drained catchment compared to the flow contribution coming from the upstream pumping stations. The outcomes have implications for assessing spatial-temporal exposure of aquatic ecosystems to MPs pollution in urban areas, providing indications on effective management practices and control measures of urban drainage systems against environmental contamination.
More Papers Like This
Change in microplastic concentration during various temporal events downstream of a combined sewage overflow and in an urban stormwater creek
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how microplastic concentrations in urban waterways changed during rain events, snowmelt, and combined sewage overflow episodes, finding that stormwater runoff and sewer overflows substantially increase microplastic loads, with event type and intensity influencing concentration patterns.
Microplastics discharged from urban drainage system: Prominent contribution of sewer overflow pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated the abundance and distribution of microplastics in urban drainage systems in coastal Chinese cities, with a focus on sewer overflow events during storms. The study found that overflow pollution during wet weather is a prominent contributor to microplastic discharge into urban water bodies, with meteorological conditions and land use patterns significantly influencing microplastic transport and release.
The emerging issue of microplastics: ongoing investigation in water and sediments of subalpine lakes
AI summary Read the abstract
This Italian study identified microplastics in subalpine lakes and characterized their polymer types and abundance, adding to evidence that microplastics have reached even remote freshwater ecosystems far from industrial centers. The findings underscore the ubiquity of plastic contamination across diverse freshwater environments.
Macro and microplastics in stormwater and combined sewer overflows in Paris megacity
AI summary Read the abstract
This French study quantified macro and microplastics in stormwater and combined sewer overflows in the Paris metropolitan area, identifying these urban discharge events as significant pathways for plastic pollution to reach aquatic environments. The results highlight the role of urban infrastructure and rainfall events in transporting plastic debris from cities to waterways.
Microplastic in urban sources and receiving water within an urban area
AI summary Read the abstract
This international study measured microplastic concentrations in urban stormwater sources and receiving water bodies within a city, quantifying how urban runoff pathways contribute to microplastic loads in local aquatic environments.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.