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Temporal and spatial distribution of microplastic in the sediment of the Han River, South Korea
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The first comprehensive survey of microplastic temporal and spatial distribution in Han River sediment in South Korea found microplastics at all sites with concentrations varying by season and proximity to urban areas, with polyethylene and polypropylene fragments and fibers as the dominant types.
Sediments are sinks for microplastics (MPs) in freshwater environments. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate the occurrence and fate of accumulated MPs in the sediments, which pose a risk to aquatic organisms. We conducted the first comprehensive investigation of MPs in riverine sediment in South Korea to examine the temporal and spatial distribution of MPs in the sediment at the two main branches and downstream of the Han River. The average abundance of MPs over all sites was 0.494 ± 0.280 particles/g. Spatially, the MP abundance at three sites in the North Han River (0.546 ± 0.217 particles/g) was higher than those in the South Han River (0.383 ± 0.145 particles/g) and downstream of the Han River (0.417 ± 0.114 particles/g). The abundances of MPs before dams at two upstream sites were significantly higher than that at other sites because of the slow river flow velocity attributed to the artificial structure. The abundance of MPs after the mosoon season (October, 0.600 ± 0.357 particles/g) was higher than that before the mosoon season (April, 0.389 ± 0.099 particles/g). The most common polymer types observed were polyethylene (>38%) and polypropylene (>24%). Irrespective of the location and season, greater than 93% of MPs identified were fragments, and the remaining were fibers. The concentrations of TOC, TN, and TP in the sediment were positively correlated with MP abundance. MP abundance was also positively correlated with clay and silt fractions of the sediment; however, it was negatively correlated with sand fraction. This study provides a basis for the management of MP pollution by offering findings related to critical factors influencing MP abundance in sediment.
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Researchers sampled suspended microplastics at multiple sites along the Han River estuary to the coastal area near Incheon, South Korea, across different seasons in 2020. The study documented significant spatial and seasonal variation in microplastic distribution in this transitional freshwater-to-marine zone.
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the Han River and its tributaries in South Korea, as well as in six species of freshwater fish. They found microplastics at all sampling sites, with polyethylene, silicone, and polystyrene being the most common polymer types. Fish intestines contained an average of 22 microplastic particles per individual, predominantly fragments, indicating widespread contamination of the freshwater food web.
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Researchers conducted a year-round monthly survey of microplastic distribution in surface water and sediments of the Jungnang Stream, a major tributary to South Korea's Han River. They found average concentrations of 9.8 particles per liter in water and 3,640 particles per kilogram in sediment, with summer showing significantly higher contamination levels. The study highlights the importance of high-resolution temporal monitoring to understand seasonal dynamics of microplastic pollution in urban freshwater systems.
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Microplastics were detected in 106 fish from 22 species at three sites in South Korea's Han River, with an average of 16-20 particles per individual and downstream sites showing the highest contamination, reflecting greater human activity and urban inputs near the river mouth.
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Microplastics were measured seasonally and spatially throughout the Nakdong River in South Korea, finding 293–4,760 particles/m³ in water and 1,970 particles/kg in sediment, with concentrations three times higher at the surface than mid-water in downstream areas and an estimated annual load of 15.45 billion particles to the sea. The study provides comprehensive temporal and spatial microplastic flux data for a major Korean river.
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