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Seasonal distribution of microplastics in an urban estuarine system, Perth, Western Australia
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Researchers studied microplastic contamination in an urban estuary in Perth, Australia, and found that the season significantly influenced how much plastic was found in the water's surface, though not in the sediment. The study highlights the complexity of tracking microplastics in connected water systems and provides data to help guide management of urban waterways.
Urban estuaries are recognised as hotspots for microplastics, which are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that threaten ecological health. Despite these concerns, knowledge of microplastic contamination in Australian estuaries remains limited, and further research into environmental drivers is necessary. This thesis investigates contamination in an understudied urban estuary and determines that seasonality is a significant driver of microplastic abundance in surface water but not in intertidal sediments. Overall, I demonstrate the complexity of estuarine-based microplastic research and provide insights into the contamination of interconnected substrates, which can inform management strategies in urban catchments.
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Seasonal microplastic variations in estuarine sediments from urban canal on the west coast of Thailand: A case study in Phuket province
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Researchers investigated seasonal variations in microplastic contamination in estuarine sediments from an urban canal in Phuket, Thailand. They found microplastic abundance was higher in the dry season than the rainy season, with rayon and polyester being the most common polymer types, suggesting that seasonal hydrological patterns and human activities both influence microplastic distribution in urban estuaries.
Spatial and seasonal variation of microplastics and possible sources in the estuarine system from central west coast of India
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Researchers collected samples from an estuarine system on India's west coast across two seasons, finding significant spatial and seasonal variation in microplastic abundance — with monsoon season delivering higher loads — and identifying local fishing activities and urban runoff as primary sources.
Temporal distribution and seasonal fluxes of microplastics in the sediments of UK rural and urban lakes
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The temporal distribution and seasonal fluxes of microplastics in the sediments of an unnamed urban waterway were quantified, revealing patterns in how microplastic accumulation varies with season, runoff, and flow conditions. The findings highlight how urban water systems act as sinks and transport pathways for microplastic pollution.
Temporal patterns in the abundance, type and composition of microplastics on the coast of the Río de la Plata estuary
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Researchers monitored microplastic abundance, type, and composition monthly for one year in water and intertidal sediment at an urbanized site on the Río de la Plata estuary in Argentina, finding temporal patterns linked to environmental factors including river flow and seasonal variation.
Insights into the seasonal distribution of microplastics and their associated biofilms in the water column of two tropical estuaries
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Researchers tracked microplastic levels and the bacterial communities growing on them in a tropical estuary in southwest India across wet and dry seasons. Microplastic concentrations were about seven times higher during the wet season due to increased runoff, and the biofilms on these plastics included potentially harmful bacteria. The study shows that seasonal weather patterns influence how much microplastic contamination reaches coastal waters where local communities fish and collect seafood.
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.