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Microplastic pollution in Pearl River networks: Characteristic, potential sources, and migration pathways
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution across the Pearl River Basin in China, one of the country's largest river systems, and found microplastics in every water sample at an average of about 1,093 particles per liter. Population density and rainwater runoff were the main factors driving contamination levels, with rainfall washing plastics from land into the river. Since the Pearl River supplies water for millions of people, these findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure through drinking water sources.
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global environmental problem with profound impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Although the topic of MPs has attracted high attention, the sources, transport pathway, and removal of MPs in river networks is still unclear. Here, we conducted a field survey across the Pearl River Basin (PRB) (> 4.5 × 10 km) and collected the water samples to characterize the spatial distribution of MPs using a Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging system. The MPs were detected in all samples with an average abundance of 1092.86 items/L, in which polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the main polymer types. Population and surface runoff were identified as major factors influencing the concentrations of MPs. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-PM) analysis revealed that precipitation-induced surface runoff is a major pathway for MPs transferring from terrestrial environment to river networks. River hydraulic dynamics were found to have considerable influence on the selective removal of MPs from water column in the river channel. The smooth state (Froude number, Fr <0.23) promotes while the rough state (Fr > 0.23) inhibits the deposition of MPs from water column to sediments. In particular, the smooth state facilitates the deposition of large-sized and high-density MPs from the water column to sediments. The deposition processes in river channel cause considerable fractionation of polymer types and size of riverine MPs. This study provides the first-hand MP pollution status in the networks of the PRB and provide insights into sources, spatial distribution characteristics, and transmission mechanism of MPs in river networks, which would provide theoretical bases and experimental reference for river water quality management and risk control of MPs for governor, stakeholders, and policy makers.
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Microplastic distribution was surveyed across the mainstream and estuary of China's Pearl River, finding higher concentrations near urban centers and establishing a detailed inventory of microplastic abundance, polymer types, and potential sources in this major waterway.
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Researchers traced the sources, distribution, and persistence of microplastics throughout the Pearl River catchment in China, from the main river and its tributaries to the estuary. They found microplastics in all water and sediment samples, with polyethylene and polypropylene fragments dominating, and identified municipal wastewater as a major source. The study also examined sediment cores showing that microplastic deposition has increased over recent decades, reflecting the growth of plastic production and consumption.
Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition in the Pearl River along Guangzhou city and Pearl River estuary, China
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Microplastic abundance and distribution were surveyed in the Pearl River urban section through Guangzhou and the Pearl River estuary, finding average concentrations of 19,860 items/m³ in the urban section and 8,902 items/m³ in the estuary, with over 80% of particles smaller than 0.5 mm. The study documents exceptionally high microplastic concentrations in an urban Chinese river and identifies wastewater effluent and urban tributaries as major sources.
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Microplastics were measured in surface water and sediments at 14 sites along the urban Pearl River in Guangzhou, finding 379–7,924 items/m³ in water and 80–9,597 items/kg in sediment with polyethylene and polypropylene as dominant types, and a significant relationship between population density and microplastic abundance. The study documents extremely high microplastic contamination in an urban Chinese river and quantifies the influence of urbanization on microplastic loading.
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Researchers mapped the distribution of microplastics in the water and sediments of the Pearl River Estuary in China and identified the key factors driving contamination levels. Fibers were the most common microplastic type found, and human activity along the coast strongly influenced pollution patterns. The study also assessed ecological risks and provides a framework for understanding how microplastics accumulate in heavily populated estuarine environments.
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