We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and their interaction with microorganisms in Bosten Lake sediment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first study of microplastic contamination in the sediment of Bosten Lake in China, finding plastics throughout the lake with the highest levels near populated areas. The most common types were PET and polyethylene, primarily in fiber form. Certain bacteria associated with plastic breakdown were more abundant in heavily contaminated areas, but the presence of microplastics in this freshwater system raises concerns about their entry into the food chain.
Microplastics (MPs), discovered in oceans, lakes, and rivers, can infiltrate the food chain through ingestion by organisms, potentially posing health risks. Our research is the first to study the composition and distribution of MPs in Bosten Lake's sediment. In May, the average abundance of MPs was 0.95±0.72 particles per 10 gs, and in October, it was 0.90±0.61 particles per 10 gs. Bohu Town had the highest MP abundance, with 1.75±0.35 particles per 10 gs in spring and 2 ± 0 particles per 10 gs in autumn. In May, 53 % of the MPs were transparent, while in October, black MPs constituted 58 %. The predominant morphology was fibrous, accounting for 61 % of the total. MPs in the size range of 0.2-1 mm made up 91 % and 66 % of the total in May and October, respectively. The most common types of MPs in May were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at 40 % and polyethylene (PE) at 26 %. In October, PET was the most prevalent at 71 %, followed by poly(ether-ether-ketone)(PEEK) at 11 %. Certain microbial taxa, such as Actinobacteriota, Pseudomonas, and Vicinamibacteraceae, associated with MP degradation or complex carbon chain breakdown, were notably enriched in sediment areas with high MP concentrations. A significant positive correlation was observed between the abundance of MPs in sediments and Actinobacteriota. Additionally, the abundance of Thiobacillus, Ca.competibacter, and other bacteria involved in soil element cycling showed a significant positive correlation with the organic matter content in the sediments. Anaerobic bacteria like Thermoanaerobacterium displayed a significant positive correlation with water depth. Our study reveals the presence, composition, and distribution of MPs in Bosten Lake's sediments, shedding light on their potential ecological impact.
More Papers Like This
Distribution characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in Lake Bosten
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically investigated the distribution, characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastics in Bosten Lake — China's largest inland freshwater lake — finding surface water abundances of 1.33-9.43 items/L and sediment concentrations of 152-953 items/kg dry weight dominated by white and black polypropylene fibers and fragments. Potential sources include residential activities, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, with seasonal variation in risk and an overall high-risk designation using the potential ecological risk index.
Distribution characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in Lake Bosten
AI summary Read the abstract
Lake Bosten in northwestern China — a large, semi-closed lake in an arid region — was found to be significantly contaminated with microplastics, with concentrations varying by location and season in both surface water and sediments. Transparent fibers were the most common type, likely originating from agricultural plastics and textile sources prevalent in the region. The study also conducted a risk assessment suggesting that microplastic pollution in the lake poses an ecological concern for aquatic organisms living there.
Vertical distribution characteristics of microplastics and bacterial communities in the sediment columns of Jianhu lake in China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic abundance, morphology, and polymer types alongside bacterial community composition in sediment columns (0-60 cm depth) of Jianhu Lake, China, finding microplastic concentrations of 624-3050 particles/kg with rayon, PET, and SBS as dominant polymers, and revealing correlations between microplastic characteristics and bacterial community structure via co-occurrence network analysis.
Abundance and distribution of microplastics in water and sediment of Baiyangdian Lake, Northern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed Baiyangdian Lake in northern China and found microplastics at concentrations of 1,000 to 20,000 particles per liter across water depths and sediments. Fibers were the dominant type, highlighting widespread contamination in a major freshwater lake system.
Distribution and Sedimentation of Microplastics in Taihu Lake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied microplastic distribution and sedimentation in Taihu Lake, one of China's largest freshwater lakes, and its surrounding rivers. Microplastics were found throughout the lake with higher concentrations near urban and industrial areas, raising concerns for water quality and aquatic life.
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.