We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluating the sources of microplastic contamination and quantifying its abundance in the Balu River, Dhaka, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the sources and abundance of microplastic contamination in the Balu River in Dhaka, Bangladesh. They found that textile and industrial waste were major contributors to microplastic pollution, with fibers being the most common type detected in surface water samples. The study provides baseline data on river microplastic contamination in a densely populated urban area and calls for better waste management practices.
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent environmental pollutants due to their durable composition, extensive use, and improper disposal. Despite their widespread presence, rivers have received less attention in microplastic research than other water bodies. This study focused on investigating the origins, prevalence, spatial distribution, and physicochemical characteristics of microplastics in the surface waters of the Balu River, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Surface water samples were collected at six sampling sites of Balu River (each about 1-5 km apart) adjacent to the footwear industry, jute factory, textile mill, paper mill, agro and beverage factory, and cement plant. The study found that the average concentration of microplastics in the sampled water bodies was 102.5 ± 12.83 (items/l). Samples near the textile mill had the highest microplastic abundance (122 ± 18 items/l), while the cement plant had the lowest (58.5 ± 8 items/l). Analysis using a stereomicroscope revealed that fibers (29%), microplastics smaller than 100 µm (45%), and transparent microplastics (19%) were the most prevalent types observed in terms of shape, size, and color, respectively. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation suggested the potential for additional degradation of these microplastics into smaller particles, potentially reaching the nanoplastic scale. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis identified 07 distinct polymer types among the microplastics: nylon (24%), polyvinyl chloride (19%), high-density polyethylene (17%), low-density polyethylene (14%), polystyrene (12%), polypropylene (7%), and nitrile (7%). The findings of this study serve as a crucial indicator of microplastic contamination, providing valuable insights into the sources and magnitude of microplastic pollution within the significant freshwater ecosystem of Balu River, Bangladesh, particularly focusing on its river systems.
More Papers Like This
Pervasiveness and characteristics of microplastics in surface water and sediment of the Buriganga River, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the Buriganga River in Bangladesh, finding concentrations of 4.33 to 43.67 items per liter in surface water, with fibers and fragments as dominant types linked to textile industries and urban waste discharge in the Dhaka megacity.
Microplastic pollution in two industrial locations of the Karnaphuli River, Bangladesh: insights on abundance, types, and characteristics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in surface water at two industrial sites along the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, finding significant contamination with fibers being the most common type. The study suggests that industrial activity is a major contributor to microplastic pollution in this river system, with polymer types and concentrations varying between the two locations.
Characterization and spatial distribution of microplastics in Surma river, Bangladesh: Assessing water and sediment dynamics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized the abundance, distribution, and types of microplastics in the water and sediments of the Surma River in Bangladesh. They found widespread microplastic contamination, with fibers being the dominant particle shape, linked to nearby textile and urban sources. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution in a major South Asian river system and highlights the need for mitigation strategies.
Characterization and Quantification of Microplastics in Surface Water of Shitalakshya River, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized and quantified microplastics in surface water samples from the Shitalakshya River in Bangladesh, finding an average concentration of 1.52 particles per liter. Fibers made up over 68% of particles found, with black being the most common color and polyethylene the dominant polymer type. The findings indicate that this industrial-area river is becoming increasingly contaminated with microplastics, posing ecological risks to the urban river ecosystem.
Microplastics in Sitalakhya River: Distribution and Properties Across Land Uses in Dhaka's Peripheral Waterway
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the water and bed sediments of the Sitalakhya River on the periphery of Dhaka city, sampling four locations representing commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural land uses and finding microplastic abundances ranging from 20 to 412 items/kg in sediment and 3 to 38 items/100L in water. The study found that land use type significantly influenced both the abundance and physical characteristics of microplastics, with industrial zones exhibiting the highest contamination levels.
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.