We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Understanding the spatio-temporal behaviour of riverine plastic transport and its significance for flux determination: insights from direct measurements in the Austrian Danube River
Summary
This study analyzed the spatio-temporal behavior of plastic transport in rivers, examining how flow conditions, catchment characteristics, and seasonal variation influence plastic flux and retention within river systems.
Plastic pollution in aquatic environments is a growing concern, with rivers recognized as major pathways. However, rivers themselves are also subject to pollution. Hence, understanding riverine plastic transport dynamics is essential for mitigating environmental impacts. Although plastic-related research focus has shifted from marine environments towards rivers, challenges remain in standardizing methods for monitoring and integrating spatio-temporal variabilities of riverine plastic occurrence into flux determination. This study addresses these challenges by adopting established methods from sediment research. Utilizing data from a net-based cross-sectional multi-point approach, it examines spatio-temporal and discharge-dependent variations. It comprehensively analyzes the complex dynamics of plastic transport in the Danube River, contrasting an impounded section near Aschach, Austria, with a free-flowing reach near Hainburg, Austria. The paper emphasizes the significance of applying these methodologies for accurate flux determination and underscores the risks of neglecting them. By incorporating average microplastic particle weights, we aim to overcome limitations in prior methodologies that solely emphasize qualitative aspects or rely on item numbers. Spatial distribution analysis revealed a pronounced stratification at low flow and a more variable distribution in the free-flowing section, attributed to higher turbulence. As discharge increased, vertical mixing occurred, along with distinct lateral patterns displaying increased concentrations toward the riverbanks. Encountering plastic particles throughout the river profile underscores their properties of both suspended and floating matter, emphasizing the importance of hydro-morphology and multi-point cross-sectional measurement approaches. Microplastic loads were calculated to be <6.9 t a −1 in Aschach and <17.1 t a −1 in Hainburg, compared to total plastic loads of <14.3 t a −1 in Aschach and <41.6 t a −1 in Hainburg. Consequently, plastic loads were doubled to tripled within the Austrian section of the Danube River. The study contributes valuable insights into the complex nature of plastic transport in river systems, emphasizing comprehensive spatial, temporal and discharge-dependent assessments for characterizing and managing plastic pollution. It suggests that rivers can function as sources, pathways and sinks of plastic pollution, contingent upon hydro-morphological conditions. This underscores the need for longitudinal, basin-wide assessments to accurately understand plastic transport dynamics.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Transport of (Micro)plastic Within a River Cross-Section—Spatio-Temporal Variations and Loads
This study measured the transport of micro- and macroplastics across a river cross-section over time, revealing how spatial position in the river, flow conditions, and seasonal variation influence plastic distribution. The findings inform more accurate monitoring protocols for river plastic load assessment.
Spatio and temporal dynamics of microplastic fluxes within the watercourses of a peri-urban watershed
Researchers tracked the spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastic fluxes within a river catchment over time, linking plastic transport patterns to land use activities. The study found that land use type is a key driver of when and how much microplastic enters and moves through watercourses.
Dynamics of microplastics in urban rivers under varying hydrological regimes
Monitoring of urban rivers showed that microplastic concentrations fluctuate significantly with varying hydrological conditions such as storm events and seasonal flow changes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for accurately characterizing the river microplastic load and its variability over time.
The influence of flow on the amount, retention and loss of plastic pollution in an urban river
Researchers sampled both microplastics and macroplastics at four sites along an urban river in Ontario, Canada during normal flow and storm conditions. The study found that storm events significantly influence plastic transport dynamics, with flow conditions affecting how much plastic pollution is retained in or flushed through urban river systems toward downstream water bodies.
Direkte Mikro- und Makroplastiktransportmessungen an großen und mittleren Flüssen sowie im Ablauf von Kläranlagen
This German-language study presents direct measurements of micro- and macroplastic transport in large and medium-sized rivers as well as wastewater treatment plant effluents. It addresses a research gap in freshwater plastic transport quantification, providing empirical data on how rivers carry plastics toward marine environments.