We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Tracing microplastic sources in urban water bodies combining their diversity, fragmentation and stability
Summary
Researchers developed a new approach to trace the sources of microplastics in Beijing's urban waterways by analyzing the diversity and fragmentation patterns of plastic particles. They found that rivers and lakes shared similar microplastic compositions, suggesting common pollution sources including road runoff and wastewater. The method offers a practical way for cities to identify where microplastic contamination originates and prioritize cleanup efforts.
Abstract Tracing the sources of microplastics (MPs) across various environmental media is currently facing significant challenges due to their complex transportable features. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive identification of MP sources in Beijing water bodies by combining MP diversity and the conditional fragmentation model, thoroughly considering local multiple sources. The resemblance in MP community compositions implied shared or similar sources in rivers and lakes, and the sources were assorted and equivalent based on the high diversity of MPs. The conditional fragmentation model can act as a proxy of fragmentation characteristics of MPs. According to the model, suburban sewage, soils, and dry and wet deposition constituted significant sources of MPs in the rivers and lakes of Beijing. The extremely high abundance of MPs (520,000 items·m −3 ) in suburban sewage also confirmed it as a potential source. For MPs with different polymer types and morphologies, non-fibrous polypropylene (PP) was primarily controlled by soils, whereas the contribution of sewage sludge to fibrous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was notable. Our study provides insights for more accurate source apportionment and contributes to a better understanding of MP fate in urban environment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
[Composition and Distribution of Microplastics in the Water and Sediments of Urban Rivers in Beijing].
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in water and sediments from eight sampling points along urban rivers in Beijing. Microplastics were widespread, with fibers being the most common type, likely from laundry and textile sources. Urban rivers are important conduits that transport microplastics from cities into larger water bodies and ultimately the ocean.
Microplastics profile in a typical urban river in Beijing
Researchers profiled microplastic pollution along the Qing River, a typical urban river in Beijing receiving effluent from four wastewater treatment plants, investigating how discharged microplastics distribute and transform as they move through an urban riverine system.
Distribution Patterns of Microplastics Pollution in Urban Fresh Waters: A Case Study of Rivers in Chengdu, China
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in urban rivers of Chengdu, China, finding concentrations of 5 to 10.5 items per liter, predominantly transparent fragments and fibers, with spatial distribution influenced by urbanization and wastewater discharge.
Microplastics in inland freshwater environments with different regional functions: A case study on the Chengdu Plain
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the Minjiang River as it flows through the Chengdu Plain in China, examining abundance, composition, shape, and size in both water and sediments. The study found serious microplastic contamination in urban sections of the river, with differences linked to regional functions such as industrial, agricultural, and residential land use patterns.
Source- and polymer-specific size distributions of fine microplastics in surface water in an urban river
Researchers investigated size distributions of fine microplastics from different sources in an urban river, finding that weathering and fragmentation produce a range of particle sizes and that source-specific size signatures can help trace microplastic origins.