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Sources of microplastic pollution in the Saigon-Dong Nai rivers, potential risks affecting human health and recommendations for mitigation solutions
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Sampling of the Saigon-Dong Nai river system in Vietnam detected microplastic fragments, films, and fibres at concentrations of up to 715,000 particles per cubic metre, primarily sourced from urban runoff, wastewater, and industrial discharge. Because these rivers supply drinking water and support subsistence fishing for millions of people, the findings highlight a significant and largely unquantified human exposure pathway to microplastics in a rapidly urbanising region.
Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the existence of tiny plastic particles present in the aquatic environment of the Saigon-Dong Nai rivers. Additionally, the study provided an overview of the origins and risks of microplastics for human health. A sampling method was built based on the ocean microplastic analysis method of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to match actual conditions. Water samples were extracted to remove organic matter, minerals, and metals before analyzing them using stereomicroscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Research results have shown the existence of microplastics with sizes from 0.1-5 millimeters in the Saigon-Dong Nai rivers. Microplastics in the form of fragments, films, and fibers account for 228,120-715,124 items.m −3 of water and pelleted microplastics account for 23-300 items.m −3 of water. The results about microplastics in the samples showed that Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Polyvinylchloride accounted for 51.2%, 27.1%, and 13.4%, respectively; and the rest are other plastics (8.3%). The average length and radius of filamentous microplastics are 524.68 micrometers and 100.4 micrometers, respectively. The average length of microplastics in the form of fragments and films is 229.49 micrometers with an average width of 101.3-120.6 micrometers. The average radius of microplastics in the form of pellets is 113.81 micrometers. They have many different colors and shapes and appear in many places where garbage accumulates when the tide recedes, especially in densely populated areas such as Thu Dau Mot and Ho Chi Minh City.
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