We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of microplastics in water and sediment from Megech river, major tributary to Lake Tana
Summary
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the Megech River in Ethiopia, finding an average of 0.55 microplastic particles per liter in surface water and 19.39 particles per kilogram in sediment, with higher concentrations near urban areas. This baseline study highlights how growing plastic use in developing nations is reaching even freshwater systems in East Africa.
• Average abundance is more than 1 MP/2L in the river water sample • Average abundance is nearly 2 MP/100g in river sediment sample • Transparent, white, and black color types of MP are more significant • MPs size <0.5mm was predominant in both surface water and sediments Ethiopia is the second largest importer of raw plastic materials in Central and Eastern Africa with fastest-growing plastic industry in the continent. Plastic pollution is a serious problem in the country and the government has started an awareness campaign for its reduction. This work is an initial attempt to evaluate the occurrence, abundance and characterization of microplastics (MPs) in shape, color and size from surface water and sediment of Megech River and its tributaries into Lake Tana, Ethiopia. As a result, the average abundance of MPs in surface water and sediment from 11 sampling sites were 0.55±0.31 items/L and 19.39 ± 11.91 items/Kg respectively. From the obtained total of 137 MP particles, the dominant shape, color and size were fragment (32.9%, 40.63%), transparent (30.17%, 29.69%), and <0.5mm (47%, 47%) for surface water and sediment respectively. A significant difference in MP abundance was observed in the transition from upper rural to urban areas and lower rural, with higher concentrations distributed from urban tributaries to the main Megech River. This pattern is attributed to anthropogenic activities from Gondar city, which the River passes through. These results can be used to augment the current database of MPs pollution and provide useful references for further research.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence of microplastics in water and sediment of a highly urbanized lake ecosystem in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Researchers sampled water and sediment from an urbanized lake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and found microplastics predominantly consisting of polyethylene followed by PET, with small fragments and transparent particles most common. This study provides baseline data on freshwater microplastic pollution in an understudied East African ecosystem.
Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in sediments along a subtropical river system in southern Africa and examined how urbanization and wastewater treatment affect contamination levels. They found that microplastic densities were highest near urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The study suggests that urban development and inadequate wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of freshwater microplastic pollution in the region.
Abundance and Characterization of Microplastics in Main Urban Ditches Across the Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in urban ditches across Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, examining both sediment and sewage water samples. They found 239 microplastic particles, with the majority being small transparent fragments under 0.5 mm, and identified polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, polystyrene, polyamide, and PVC as the most common polymer types. The study establishes a baseline for microplastic contamination in East African urban waterways.
Characteristics, Contamination Levels, and Ecosystem Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Surface Water of a Highly Urbanized River from a Developing Country
Researchers characterized microplastic contamination in an urban river near a megacity in a developing country, finding concentrations of 350 to 660 particles per cubic meter of water. Polyethylene and polypropylene from household and municipal waste were the most common types, and a risk assessment found concerning contamination levels at several sampling sites. The study highlights how rivers in developing nations can serve as major pathways for microplastics to reach the ocean and enter the food chain.
Sediments microplastics along three Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes demonstrated variation in polymer composition and moderate contamination level
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in sediments from three lakes in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, finding contamination levels that varied by season and surrounding land use. Lake Koka, which is near urban and industrial areas, had the highest concentrations, while fiber-shaped particles and polyethylene were the most common types. The study provides some of the first data on freshwater microplastic pollution in African lake environments.