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Riverine Microplastics in South Africa: Unravelling Pollution Sources from Source to Sediment

Microplastics 2026 Score: 40 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Muneer Ahmad Malla, Muneer Ahmad Malla, Muneer Ahmad Malla, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Arvind Kumar, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Muneer Ahmad Malla, Tyrone Moodley, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Arvind Kumar, Arvind Kumar, Muneer Ahmad Malla, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Isaac Dennis Amoah, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Nomalihle Ladyfair Malambule, Isaac Dennis Amoah, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Tyrone Moodley, Tyrone Moodley, Muneer Ahmad Malla, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Christabel Thangwane, Christabel Thangwane, Sheena Kumari, Sheena Kumari

Summary

Scientists found high levels of tiny plastic particles called microplastics in two South African rivers, with the worst pollution coming from industrial areas and farms. These microscopic plastic pieces can end up in drinking water and the food chain, potentially affecting human health. The study shows that different human activities create different types of plastic pollution, which means we need targeted solutions to clean up our water sources.

Polymers

PE PP PTFE

Study Type Environmental

Microplastics (MPs) are persistent environmental pollutants of growing concern, threatening aquatic ecosystems worldwide. This study examined the influence of different pollution sources on the abundance, types, and polymer composition of MPs in two South African river systems, the uMsunduzi and Swartskop Rivers. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from sites impacted by industrial, wastewater, agricultural, and urban activities. Both rivers showed high MP contamination, with the highest concentrations detected in industrial and agricultural zones. Fibers dominated the particle shapes, while polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers, alongside site-specific contaminants such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Sediments generally contained higher MP concentrations and smaller particles than surface waters. These findings highlight the role of land use in shaping MP pollution profiles and the need for targeted mitigation strategies to protect freshwater systems.

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