We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Potential of Heavy Metals and Microplastics Contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Kabarole District, Uganda
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed heavy metal and microplastic contamination in the Mpanga River near Fort Portal, Uganda, collecting water and sediment samples from multiple sites. They found measurable levels of both pollutant types, driven by industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization in the catchment area. The study provides important baseline data on emerging contaminant pollution in East African freshwater systems.
Anthropogenic environmental pollution is a major development challenge in Ugandan rivers and lakes, the key drivers being industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization. The aim of the study was to assess the potential of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Uganda. Triplicate water and sediment samples were collected from three sampling sites, preserved, and analyzed at the Chemistry Department, Makerere University for heavy metals, while microplastics analysis was conducted at NaFIRRI, Jinja. Sediment heavy metal contamination was assessed from the geoaccumulation index, while microplastic characterization and quantification were determined from stereomicroscopy and morphological features. Arsenic was the most prevalent metal with a mean concentration of 13.2 ppm thus higher than permissible maximum limits of WHO. The mean concentrations (ppm) of copper, lead, and cadmium were 0.01, 0.01, and 0.001 respectively, and below the permissible maximum. Sediment samples revealed very strong arsenic contamination, strong contamination for copper, moderate to strong contamination for lead, and a potential lack of contamination for cadmium. The higher concentrations of the heavy metals in the sediments compared to water could be attributed to bioaccumulation, as evidenced by the high geoaccumulation values. Microplastics occurred throughout the river and included fragments, filaments, film, pellets, form, and fibers. The presence of heavy metals and microplastics was attributed to anthropogenic activities within the river vicinity, which discharged heavy metal-laden waste into River Mpanga. High arsenic concentrations and sediment accumulation of contaminants pose serious potential public health threats to the local communities.
More Papers Like This
A Systematic Review of Contaminants of Concern in Uganda: Occurrence, Sources, Potential Risks, and Removal Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review looked at pollutants threatening Uganda's environment and public health, including microplastics alongside heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. The study found these contaminants at levels well above safety standards in water sources, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance, hormone disruption, and cancer risk. It highlights how poor wastewater treatment in developing countries can lead to widespread contamination of drinking water.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Microplastics in Nakivubo Catchment: Implications for the Pollution of Lake Victoria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastics in the Nakivubo catchment in Uganda, finding elevated MP concentrations near urban drainage channels that flow into Lake Victoria, with implications for freshwater quality and regional food security.
Emerging Pollutants in Uganda: A Systematic Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review catalogs emerging pollutants in Uganda, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, found across different environmental settings. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth in the country have introduced these contaminants into water and soil, posing growing risks to public health.
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Lubigi Wetland, Uganda: Spatial Distribution and Source Pathways
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studying a major urban wetland in Kampala, Uganda found it's contaminated with microplastics, mostly tiny plastic beads and fragments that settle into the mud and collect in certain "hotspot" areas fed by city runoff and wastewater. This matters because wetlands like this one often filter water before it reaches communities or farmland, so plastic pollution here could make its way into drinking water, fish, or crops—and eventually into people. The findings highlight the need for better waste management and monitoring, especially in fast-growing African cities where this kind of pollution is understudied.
Microplastics and heavy metal contamination along a land-use gradient in a Himalayan foothill river: Prevalence and controlling factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped microplastic and heavy metal contamination in a river flowing through India's Himalayan foothills, finding plastic particles at every sampling site. Concentrations were highest near industrial areas and human settlements, with polyethylene and polystyrene being the most common plastic types. The study shows how human activity drives plastic pollution even in relatively remote freshwater 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.