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Seasonal occurrence of microplastics in sediment of two South African recreational reservoirs
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Researchers tracked seasonal microplastic levels in sediments from two recreational reservoirs in South Africa, one near agricultural land and the other near populated areas. They found microplastics at all sites, with significantly higher concentrations near areas of greater human activity, particularly during the hot-dry season. The study highlights that even inland freshwater systems in regions with relatively low industrial presence are not immune to microplastic pollution.
Inland water systems are regarded as a pathway and sink of plastic pollutants from the terrestrial environment. Aquatic ecosystems are globally contaminated with microplastics, but the spatiotemporal occurrence and density of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems remain poorly understood. The present study seasonally assessed differences in microplastic density in the sediments from two South African recreational reservoirs associated with low human activities (macadamia orchards) and high human activities (communal areas). Microplastics were recovered from all of the reservoirs assessed, indicating their extensive occurrence and densities. Microplastic numbers were significantly higher in reservoirs associated with high anthropogenic activities during the hot-dry season (140.6 particles kg−1 dwt) and lower in reservoirs associated with low anthropogenic activities during the hot-wet and cool-dry seasons, i.e., 22.60 particles kg−1 dwt and 16.13 particles kg−1 dwt, respectively. Overall, polypropylene (31%) and polystyrene (30%) were identified as the dominant types of microplastic polymer in both reservoir types. Moreover, no correlative relationships were observed for environmental parameters and microplastic densities across reservoirs and seasons, suggesting a widespread and largely context-independent pollution level. These results show that microplastics are not evenly distributed between waters associated with low human activities and high human activities. Future work should seek greater sample sizes and centre around observing microplastic contamination in the region by examining their sources, transport, and impacts to freshwater environments, whilst informing management strategies.
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Microplastic occurrence and densities in small subtropical reservoirs of Southern Africa
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Researchers measured microplastic levels across seasons in small reservoirs in southern Africa, finding that microplastic concentrations were higher during the dry season and in reservoirs near areas with greater human activity. The study establishes baseline data for a region where plastic pollution research is scarce and warns that contamination could worsen without targeted intervention.
Microplastic Pollution in Shoreline Sediments of the Vondo Reservoir Along the Mutshindudi River, South Africa
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This study assessed microplastic contamination in the shoreline sediments of a reservoir in South Africa's Limpopo province, finding plastic particles in all samples collected across different seasons. Fiber shapes dominated the samples, pointing to textile-related sources, and concentrations varied with seasonal water flow patterns. The research provides baseline data for a region where microplastic monitoring is still limited, highlighting how inland freshwater reservoirs accumulate and trap microplastics transported by rivers.
Profiling microplastics in a forgotten river system in Southern Africa
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Researchers profiled microplastic distribution across the Nyl, Mogalakwena, and Limpopo Rivers in South Africa over multiple seasons. They found that seasons with reduced water flow had significantly higher microplastic concentrations in both water and sediment, while high-flow seasons produced a more evenly distributed but lower overall abundance. The study also detected microplastics in benthic macroinvertebrates throughout the river system, indicating the particles have become bioavailable in the food web.
Water or sediment? Assessing seasonal microplastic accumulation from wastewater treatment works
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Researchers assessed seasonal microplastic accumulation in two subtropical South African rivers relative to wastewater treatment works, finding that seasonal differences were more pronounced in sediment than in water and that elevated pollution loads were present even upstream of treatment facilities.
Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system
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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.
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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.