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Abundance and distribution of microplastics in irrigation canal water in Jordan
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in irrigation canal water in Jordan and found particles at every site tested, with concentrations ranging from about 6,700 to nearly 13,000 particles per cubic meter. Contamination increased from north to south along the canal, corresponding with greater human activity and agricultural plastic use. Since this water is used to irrigate crops, the microplastics it carries could end up in the food supply, raising concerns about dietary exposure for people in the region.
This study investigates the abundance and distribution of microplastics in the KAC waterway, spanning three distinct regions: north, middle, and south. Microplastic concentrations were assessed across six sampling sites within each area, focusing on three size categories: 100-300 µm, 300-500 µm, and >500 µm. Results reveal ubiquitous microplastic presence across all sites, with average total particle counts ranging from 6691 to 12907 particles/m3. Notably, microplastic abundance increases along the water channel from north to south, correlating with human activities and urbanization along the water flow. The distribution of microplastics exhibits spatial heterogeneity, with varying concentrations observed both upstream and downstream. Higher particle concentrations dominate in the southern region, potentially linked to agricultural activities and plastic usage. Microplastic identification using FTIR Imaging Microscopy identifies polyester as the predominant type, followed by polyethylene, particularly prevalent in areas with intensive agricultural practices. Morphological analysis suggests sources including textile fibers, agricultural packaging, and tire abrasion. Overall, this research underscores the complex dynamics of microplastic contamination in waterways, highlighting the influence of anthropogenic activities on distribution patterns and composition.
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Microplastics Contamination in Canal Network: A Systematic and Bibliometric Analysis of Occurrence and Transport Dynamics Across Global Waterways
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Scientists reviewed 37 studies on tiny plastic bits found in canals, the human-made waterways that move water for drinking, farming, and irrigation worldwide. The review found microplastics are widespread in these systems, meaning the water reaching our taps and crops may carry plastic contamination that current research hasn't fully mapped out yet.
Microplastics removal efficiency in wastewater treatment plants in Jordan
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Even in a water-scarce country like Jordan, wastewater treatment plants are releasing significant quantities of microplastics into the environment. This study found that a major Jordanian treatment plant removed only 62% of incoming microplastics, with fibers and fragments particularly resistant to the treatment process. With 62 microplastics per liter entering and nearly 24 per liter leaving in treated effluent, the findings highlight an urgent need for upgraded filtration technologies — especially in regions where treated wastewater is commonly reused for irrigation.
Current levels and composition profiles of microplastics in irrigation water
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Microplastic concentrations and polymer types were characterized in irrigation water sources, finding widespread contamination that represents a direct pathway for microplastics to enter agricultural soils with every irrigation cycle. The findings highlight irrigation as an overlooked vector for microplastic transfer into food-producing environments.
Microplastic contamination in irrigation canals of a major agricultural region: a fluorescence-based monitoring study in Reynosa, Mexico
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Scientists tested irrigation canal water in Reynosa, Mexico, and found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in every sample tested—with one canal showing levels up to 500 times higher than the clean baseline. This matters because this water is used for farming, meaning these plastics could potentially make their way into crops and, eventually, our food supply, though more research is needed to understand the actual health risks this poses.
The occurrence and dietary intake related to the presence of microplastics in drinking water in Saudi Arabia
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Researchers tested 30 drinking water samples from five regions in Saudi Arabia and found microplastics in more than half of them, with polyethylene being the most common type detected. The estimated daily exposure based on recommended water intake was relatively low but still measurable. The study provides baseline data on microplastic contamination in Saudi Arabian drinking water and contributes to the growing understanding of human dietary exposure to these particles.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.