We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic Pollution in a Canal: Seasonal and Spatial Impact
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined seasonal and spatial patterns of microplastic pollution in a canal environment, characterising how particle concentrations vary across locations and time periods to better understand microplastic dynamics in tributary waterways.
Microplastic pollution has become a worldwide concern due to the pervasive entry of these particles into our environment. While riverine microplastics have recently been studied, tributaries of rivers such as canals and creeks have not yet gained much attention. These smaller water bodies, where effluents from various sources are directly discharged, can result in notably high microplastic concentrations within freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the abundance, properties, and risk assessment of microplastics entering a canal system from four different sources: agriculture, residential areas, academic buildings, and parking lots. Both the water and sediment samples of the canal were collected and studied in a bi-weekly manner for five months (June 23 to October 23) to understand the impact of each source as well as to assess the state of the microplastic pollution in the canal systems over time. Considering that the canal eventually feeds into a large river in upstate New York, USA, the findings of this study offer insights into the extent of microplastic influx into the riverine systems. Findings from this study should provide important insight to future researchers working with microplastic contamination and may help to develop a better understanding of their source and availability in the environment.
More Papers Like This
Prevalence of Microplastic Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystem: A Case Study of Thal Canal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in a freshwater ecosystem in a case study region, measuring particle concentrations and types in water and sediment samples across multiple sites. Microplastics were detected at all sampling locations with higher concentrations near urban areas, and fibres and fragments were the dominant particle morphologies found.
Seasonal microplastic dynamics in the Alappuzha–Changanacherry Canal, Kerala, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested canal water in Kerala, India, and found microplastics, mostly tiny fibers, at all three sites, in both dry and rainy seasons. Levels were much higher during the monsoon, likely due to runoff, and common plastic types included polyethylene and polypropylene from household, farming, and fishing waste.
Land Use and Rainfall as Drivers of Microplastic Transport in Canal Systems: A Case Study from Upstate New York
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across a canal system in upstate New York, examining how land use and rainfall patterns influence microplastic abundance, distribution, and characteristics. They found significant land-use-dependent variation in contamination, with mean water column concentrations of 17 items/L, and that rainfall events mobilized microplastics differently across agricultural, residential, and impervious-surface sites.
Seasonal Abundance and Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in the Lis River, Portugal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated seasonal microplastic abundance and distribution in Portugal's Lis River Basin across nine sites, finding fibres and fragments dominated in both water and sediment, with polyethylene the most common polymer in water. Population density, plastic processing companies, and meteorological factors were all associated with seasonal variation in microplastic patterns.
Temporal distribution and seasonal fluxes of microplastics in the sediments of UK rural and urban lakes
AI summary Read the abstract
The temporal distribution and seasonal fluxes of microplastics in the sediments of an unnamed urban waterway were quantified, revealing patterns in how microplastic accumulation varies with season, runoff, and flow conditions. The findings highlight how urban water systems act as sinks and transport pathways for microplastic pollution.
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.