We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of microplastics in Irish river sediment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediments from 16 sites along the River Barrow in Ireland, detecting plastics at all sites with fibers as the dominant shape and polyethylene terephthalate as a common polymer, confirming widespread freshwater microplastic pollution in Irish river systems.
Microplastics (MPs) are environmental pollutants of growing concern, and awareness of MPs pollution in marine and freshwater environments has increased in recent years. However, knowledge of MPs contamination in riverine sediments in Ireland is limited. To address this, we collected and analysed sediment samples from 16 selected sites along the River Barrow. Microplastics were extracted through a density separation method, after which their size, colour, and shape were analysed under a stereo microscope (Optica SZM-2). Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify polymer types. A total of 690 MPs were recovered from the 16 sites, with fibres as the dominant MP type. The highest concentration of MPs was 155 MP fibres kg wet sediment found in samples collected from Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny (GK). The majority of the recovered MPs were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), nylon, and cellulose acetate (CA) fibres. Overall, this study highlighted the presence of MPs in Irish river sediments and provided a baseline for future studies on MPs pollution. Further research is needed to better understand sources, distribution, and effects of MPs in freshwater ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Irish Freshwaters: a Preliminary Study
AI summary Read the abstract
A preliminary investigation of microplastics in Irish freshwater environments found particles at multiple sampling sites, extending the known geographic range of freshwater microplastic contamination. The study calls for more systematic monitoring across Ireland's rivers and lakes.
Assessment, characterization, and quantification of microplastics from river sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediments from 14 sites along the Kaveri River in South India, characterizing particle types, sizes, and polymer compositions to quantify the extent of microplastic pollution in this freshwater system.
Secondary microplastics were prevalent in sediment in a freshwater UK urban river
AI summary Read the abstract
Secondary microplastics were found to be the dominant form of plastic pollution in the sediment of a freshwater urban river in the UK, with fragments and fibers identified as the most common types. The study highlights the need for improved standardized sampling and analytical methods to better characterize microplastic contamination in freshwater environments.
Assessing microplastic distribution within infaunal benthic communities in a coastal embayment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in benthic infauna from 20 subtidal stations in Galway Bay, Ireland, finding an average of 0.79 particles per individual with fibers as the dominant type. Results were comparable to North Sea subtidal fauna studies, suggesting consistent microplastic uptake patterns across European coastal benthic communities.
Investigation of microplastic pollution in Torghabeh River sediments, northeast of Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in sediments of the Torghabeh River in northeast Iran. The study found an average concentration of 8 particles per 100 grams of dry sediment, with polystyrene being the most abundant polymer, and areas with greater human activity showing higher levels of microplastic contamination.
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.