We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Stormwater microplastic polymer types, particle sizes, and impact of techniques
Summary
Researchers characterised microplastic size distribution, morphology, and polymer profiles in urban stormwater runoff across multiple storm events and assessed how different subsampling techniques affect estimated microplastic concentrations and polymer diversity. The study found that subsampling methodology significantly influences results, highlighting the need for standardised approaches to accurately quantify stormwater as a microplastic pathway into aquatic ecosystems.
Stormwater runoff is a pathway of entry for microplastics (MPs) into aquatic ecosystems. Understanding not only microplastic concentrations but also size distribution, morphology, and polymer profiles is desirable. A challenge is that subsampling is often required for analysis of environmental samples and the impact of subsampling on estimated MP concentrations and polymer diversity is poorly characterized. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine MP size, morphology, chemical composition, and loading across urban storm events and (2) the impact of subsampling on these observations for MP. Sampling was performed in two campaigns: the first based on NOAA methods with a wet peroxide oxidation and density separation and the second based on ASTM methods with a wet peroxide oxidation and cellulose digestion. MP analysis was performed via attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR and/or FTIR-microscopy. MP concentrations (MP/L) were 86 ± 107 for 63-250 µm, 0.68 ± 0.36 for 250-500 µm, and 0.4 ± 0.24 for 500-2000µm or 0.99 ± 1.10 MP/L for 500-1000 μm and 0.41±0.30 MP/L for the 1000-5000 μm size ranges. Concentrations were comparable or greater and polymer richness was greater using the ASTM methods and larger sample volume. Varying the number of particles subsampled demonstrated the coefficient of variation for concentration (standard deviation/mean) for most samples was Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559566/document
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Stormwater microplastic polymer types, particle sizes, and impact of techniques
Researchers characterized microplastic size distribution, morphology, polymer composition, and loading in urban stormwater runoff across two sampling campaigns using different standardized methods (NOAA and ASTM protocols) with FTIR and FTIR-microscopy analysis. They found MP concentrations of 86 particles/L in the 63-250 µm size range and assessed how subsampling strategies affect estimated concentrations and polymer diversity in environmental samples.
Urban stormwater microplastic size distribution and impact of subsampling on polymer diversity
Researchers examined how subsampling affects the characterization of microplastics in urban stormwater, finding that small subsamples can underestimate polymer diversity and that fibrous microplastics dominated across urban and suburban sites.
Characterizing microplastics in urban runoff: A multi-land use assessment with a focus on 1–125 μm size particles
Researchers collected stormwater runoff from three different urban land use types and found microplastics present across all sites, with significant variation in polymer types depending on the area. By using multiple detection techniques, they were able to identify particles as small as 1 micrometer, revealing that the smallest size fractions dominated the total count. The study emphasizes that urban runoff is a major pathway for microplastic pollution reaching waterways.
Stormwater runoff microplastics: Polymer types, particle size, and factors controlling loading rates
Researchers characterized microplastics in stormwater runoff samples collected at urban outfall locations. The study identified 17 different polymer types across various storm events, with concentrations around 0.99 particles per liter for the 500-1000 micrometer size range, and found that rainfall intensity and land use were key factors controlling microplastic loading rates.
Microplastics in Stormwater: Sampling and Methodology Challenges
Stormwater runoff washes microplastics from roads, lawns, and urban surfaces directly into streams and rivers, but measuring this pathway consistently has been hampered by a lack of standardized sampling methods. This study collected stormwater sediment samples from control measures across multiple U.S. regions and found that conventional sampling tools designed for chemical contaminants are poorly suited for capturing the full range of microplastic sizes and shapes. The results call for purpose-built sampling protocols for stormwater microplastics to improve the reliability of pollution monitoring.