We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Abundance, Composition, and Potential Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Surface Water at Different Seasons in the Pearl River Delta, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance, composition, and ecological risk in surface water of the Pearl River Delta across different seasons, finding spatially uneven distribution with some sites showing far higher concentrations than others. Ecological risk scores were highest at sites near industrial zones and dense urban areas.
In this study, microplastics in the surface water in the Pearl River Delta during different seasons were studied to analyze their temporal and spatial distribution, morphological characteristics, related socio-economic indicators, and potential ecological risks. Based on an analysis of surface water samples from 13 sampling sites, we found that the temporal and spatial distribution of microplastics in the Pearl River Delta were unbalanced. The microplastic abundances at the Qingqi, Chencun, Zuotan, and Beijiao sites were tremendously higher than those at other sites. Nevertheless, the abundance of microplastics at most sites was tremendously higher in the rainy season than dry season. Meanwhile, the morphological characteristics of microplastics had a strong correlation with the changes of season and site location. During the rainy season, the major color, shape, and size distribution of microplastics were gray (38.64%), strip (78.29%), and 100–500 μm (57.38%), respectively. The most usual color, shape, and size distribution of microplastics in the dry season were black (38.64%), granular (78.29%), and 0–100 μm (70.29%), respectively. As for the socio-economic indicators, including the degree of afforestation as well as the extent of industrial, transportation, and other human activities, all had varying degrees of impact on microplastic abundances. The potential ecological risk assessments demonstrated that most sites in the Pearl River Delta had a high potential for ecological risk related to microplastic pollution, which should be given more attention in the future. In summary, our investigations offer a theoretical basis for research related to microplastics in the Pearl River Delta and can further improve our understanding of the need to protect aquatic environments by exploring the overall ecological risks posed by microplastics.
More Papers Like This
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in a Coastal Region of the Pearl River Estuary, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastic abundance in the Pearl River Estuary coastal region was 1.85-fold higher during the rainy season than the dry season, with concentrations decreasing from river to estuary to open sea. Fibers and fragments dominated, with gray, white, and green particles most common across sampling sites.
Spatial Distribution, Key Influencing Factors, and Ecological Risk of Microplastics in Pearl River Estuary Water and Sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped the distribution of microplastics in the water and sediments of the Pearl River Estuary in China and identified the key factors driving contamination levels. Fibers were the most common microplastic type found, and human activity along the coast strongly influenced pollution patterns. The study also assessed ecological risks and provides a framework for understanding how microplastics accumulate in heavily populated estuarine environments.
Measurement, quantification, and potential risk of microplastics in the mainstream of the Pearl River (Xijiang River) and its estuary, Southern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic distribution was surveyed across the mainstream and estuary of China's Pearl River, finding higher concentrations near urban centers and establishing a detailed inventory of microplastic abundance, polymer types, and potential sources in this major waterway.
Hydro-sedimentary conditions shape the microplastic occurrence in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary (China)
AI summary Read the abstract
A field study of the Pearl River Estuary in southern China found microplastic concentrations in sediments ranging from 4 to 220 particles/kg, with higher abundance in nearshore zones, and identified hydrodynamic conditions and proximity to urban areas as the main drivers of spatial variation.
Spatial distribution, morphology, and risk assessment of microplastics in sediment from the Pearl River Estuary, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediment from the Pearl River Estuary in China, one of the world's most densely populated coastal regions. They found microplastics widely distributed across the estuary, with varying shapes and polymer types linked to both urban and industrial sources. The study provides a risk assessment suggesting that sediment microplastic pollution in this ecosystem warrants ongoing monitoring and management.
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.