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The First Record of the Distribution and Abundance of Plastic Wastes Along the River Nile Shores, Upper Egypt
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Researchers used visual observation to conduct the first comprehensive survey of plastic waste distribution and abundance along the River Nile shores at twelve sites across six governorates in Upper Egypt, finding the highest accumulations at urban sites (Assiut, Nagaa Hammadi, and Suhag) and the lowest at tourist sites (Luxor, Aswan, and Edfu).
Using the visual observation method, this study provides an overview of the distribution and abundance of plastic waste on the shores of the main course of the River Nile at twelve different sites across six successive governorates in Upper Egypt. Among these sites, Assiut, Nagaa Hammadi, and Suhag, three urban sites, had the greatest distribution and abundance of plastic waste. El-Wasta, a rural site, came in second. Luxor, Aswan, and Edfu, three tourist sites, had the least distribution and abundance of plastic waste. Only Assiut and Suhag had piles of plastic waste. The most abundant type of plastic waste was plastic bags, followed by a variety of other plastics, including boat mooring ropes, plastic foams, lids, food wrappers, packaging material, bottle caps, cutlery, and plastic pipes. Next came bottles, tires, the obvious appearance of personal hygiene products, and very little fishing gear. Megaplastics, mesoplastics, and microplastics all had lower percentages than macroplastics, which had the highest percentage. The abundance of plastic waste was lower in the southern governorates (Aswan and Luxor) than in the northern governorates (Assiut, Qena, Suhag, and El-Minya). Our current research would contribute to the global trend of examining plastic in rivers, and the findings would aid in the establishment of a mechanism to lessen and eventually eliminate plastic waste, particularly along the Nile's shores, as well as a law to better regulate it.
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Microplastics Pollution in Aquatic Environment: A Review of Abundance, Distribution, and Composition in the Egyptian Coastal Waters
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This review compiles data on microplastic pollution across Egypt's Mediterranean coast, the Nile River, and the Red Sea, all of which face significant plastic contamination. Researchers found that the Mediterranean is a global hotspot for marine plastic accumulation, while the Nile acts as a major conduit for plastics entering the eastern Mediterranean basin. The study calls for more systematic monitoring to understand the full scope of microplastic pollution in Egyptian waters.
Prevalence and risk assessment of microplastics in the Nile Delta estuaries: “The Plastic Nile” revisited
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Researchers assessed microplastic prevalence and health risks in estuaries of the Nile Delta in Egypt, finding MPs in water, sediment, and seafood samples across multiple sites. Risk assessment indicated potential exposure concern for communities relying on these estuaries for food and water.
Distribution and Abundance of Microplastics (MPs) in the Water, Sediment, and Some Freshwater Animals, Nile River, Upper Egypt
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Researchers found microplastics in all water, sediment, and animal samples collected from the Nile River in Upper Egypt, with Edfu showing the highest abundances and crayfish accumulating the most microplastics in gills while African catfish had the highest alimentary canal burden.
Characterization and distribution of plastic particles along Alexandria beaches, Mediterranean Coast of Egypt, using microscopy and thermal analysis techniques
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Researchers characterized plastic particles in sediments and surface water along Alexandria beaches in Egypt, finding mean concentrations of 389 items per kilogram dry sediment and 457 items per cubic meter in surface water. Thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis identified 10 polymer types, with low-density polyethylene dominant, and linked contamination primarily to single-use plastic bags, detergent packaging, and seafaring activities.
‘The Plastic Nile’: First Evidence of Microplastic Contamination in Fish from the Nile River (Cairo, Egypt)
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Researchers provided the first evidence of microplastic contamination in fish from the Nile River in Cairo, Egypt, finding that over 75% of sampled Nile tilapia and catfish contained microplastics in their digestive tracts, with fibers and fragments being the dominant particle types.
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.