We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Seasonal variations of microplastics in surface water and sediment in an inland river drinking water source in southern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface water and sediment of a southern China river used as a drinking water source during both flooding and dry seasons. They found microplastic abundances were generally higher during the dry period, with fibers being the dominant type and polyethylene the most common polymer. The study suggests that seasonal hydrological changes significantly affect microplastic distribution in inland drinking water sources.
The aim of this study was to examine microplastic (size distribution of 0.05-5 mm) occurrence and distribution in drinking water source of XJ River during both flooding and dry periods. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from the CS City section of the river in August and December 2020. During the flooding period, microplastic abundances were observed at 0.72-18.6 (7.32 ± 2.36) items L in surface water and 26.3-302 (150 ± 75.6) items kg dry weight (dw) in sediment. In the dry period, abundances were slightly higher at 2.88-17.7 (11.0 ± 3.08) items L and 27.0-651 (249 ± 182) items kg dw, respectively. Microplastics were found in higher concentrations in urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants, suggesting anthropogenic sources. The diversity in shapes, colors, and types of microplastics in surface waters and sediments indicates specialized enrichment processes and persistent sources of microplastic pollution. Approximately 60 % of the microplastic particles identified fall within the 50-100 μm range. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between these smaller-sized particles and the overall prevalence of microplastics. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microplastics had been subjected to weathering in the environment, contributing to the production of oxygen-containing functional groups and surface cleavage features. The utilization of energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed the presence of microplastics associated with various heavy metals, highlighting the intricate nature of microplastic pollution. Moreover, the high abundance of microplastics may pose a potential ecological risk to the aquatic environment of the XJ River. The results of this study demonstrate concerning levels of microplastics in the XJ River, despite its status as a high-quality water source.
More Papers Like This
Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastics in surface water of typical urban rivers in North China, risk assessment and influencing factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic levels in two urban rivers in North China across wet and dry seasons and found that concentrations generally increased from upstream to downstream. The most common plastics were polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, with natural factors dominating upstream and human activities driving pollution downstream. The study provides a reference for understanding how urbanization contributes to microplastic contamination in river systems.
Temporal and spatial variation of microplastics in the urban rivers of Harbin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in two urban rivers in Harbin, China, across both dry and wet seasons. The study found that polypropylene and polyethylene were the dominant polymers in surface water, while PVC and PET were most common in sediment, with domestic wastewater and rainfall runoff as the main sources. Evidence indicates that riparian vegetation along the riverbanks helped reduce microplastic migration through natural filtration processes.
Seasonal variation and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water of the Manas River Basin, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated seasonal variations in microplastic pollution across the Manas River Basin in China, sampling surface water during different seasons. They found that microplastic abundance varied significantly by season and location, with higher concentrations linked to agricultural runoff and urban discharge. The study provides a risk assessment framework for understanding how seasonal factors influence microplastic contamination in inland freshwater systems.
[Spatial and Temporal Variation Characterization and Variability of Microplastics in Water-borne River and Reservoir].
AI summary Read the abstract
A study comparing microplastic levels in a river and a reservoir used as drinking water sources in Guangdong, China found meaningful differences in contamination patterns across seasons and locations. The findings underscore that drinking water source protection strategies need to account for microplastic pollution, as these particles can enter the water supply before treatment.
Occurrence, potential sources, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in the inland river basins in Northern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in a typical urban river system in Northern China, examining both surface water and sediment samples. They found that river sediments contained dramatically more microplastics than surface water, acting as a sink for this pollution, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common types. The study suggests that small fiber and fragment-shaped particles under 0.5 mm dominate these environments, likely originating from everyday plastic products and wastewater discharge.
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.