We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Contextualizing microplastic pollution in different river habitats through rapid habitat assessment in South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
This South African study investigated microplastic levels in both water and sediment across multiple river sites, while simultaneously evaluating each site's physical characteristics using a rapid habitat assessment method. The researchers found that factors like water velocity, flow obstructions, and discharge volume all affect how microplastics accumulate, making simple concentration comparisons between sites misleading. They introduced a new metric — the "microplastic discharge unit" — to give a more meaningful, context-sensitive measure of plastic pollution load. The approach could help standardize how river microplastic monitoring is done globally.
Abstract There has been a notable increase in research into microplastics in rivers over the last decade. However, no clear or concise standardized monitoring method exists for the sampling of microplastics in rivers. Many guidelines exist for the sampling and analysis of microplastics from rivers, but researchers continue to use methods and tools that may contaminate samples, such as plankton nets, or collect and filter bulk water samples with differing volumes and numbers of replicates. This can result in the same river system being shown to have notably varying levels of microplastics between sites. The aim of this study was to determine microplastic abundances in water and sediment, together with a critical evaluation of the sampling sites, to ascertain which environmental factors impacted microplastic distribution. This was achieved by applying the rapid habitat assessment method and simultaneously sampling microplastics. The results indicated that factors such as water velocity, physical obstructions to water flow and, most importantly, discharge, can change the context of a site with respect to its microplastic content, which can impact niche-specific organisms. The results were used to develop a new measurement unit, the microplastic discharge unit. The MDU provides a contextualized representation of the microplastics moving through a river, and can be used as an indicator of microplastic pollution at a site and its impact on biota. The results will be used further to produce a guide for the accurate sampling of microplastics in rivers.
More Papers Like This
Relationship between selected hydrodynamic indices and microplastic distributions across mesohabitats in urban rivers, Eastern Cape, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how hydrodynamic indices — Froude number, Reynolds number, and shear velocity — shape the spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastics across different hydraulic zones in three subtropical urban rivers in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. The study found that hydraulic conditions significantly governed microplastic retention in pools and backwaters versus riffles and runs, with seasonal variation between dry and wet periods.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in functionally delineated hydraulic zones in selected rivers, Eastern Cape, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped microplastic distribution across different flow zones in two urban rivers in South Africa, finding that slow-flowing pools and backwaters accumulate significantly more settled microplastics than fast-flowing areas. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and fragments were the most common types found. The study helps explain where microplastics concentrate in rivers, which is important for understanding exposure risks at drinking water intake points downstream.
Profiling microplastics in a forgotten river system in Southern Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers profiled microplastic distribution across the Nyl, Mogalakwena, and Limpopo Rivers in South Africa over multiple seasons. They found that seasons with reduced water flow had significantly higher microplastic concentrations in both water and sediment, while high-flow seasons produced a more evenly distributed but lower overall abundance. The study also detected microplastics in benthic macroinvertebrates throughout the river system, indicating the particles have become bioavailable in the food web.
Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in sediments along a subtropical river system in southern Africa and examined how urbanization and wastewater treatment affect contamination levels. They found that microplastic densities were highest near urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The study suggests that urban development and inadequate wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of freshwater microplastic pollution in the region.
Is There a Difference in Yield? A Comparative Analysis of Microplastics Sampling Techniques in River Water with a Low-Velocity Flow
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared three microplastic sampling techniques in low-velocity river water, quantifying differences in particle abundance and characteristics to evaluate which method most accurately captures microplastic concentrations in surface water 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.