We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the sediment profiles of the Taihu Lake, eastern China
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized the vertical distribution of microplastics in sediment profiles from northern and southwestern Taihu Lake in eastern China. It found microplastics present throughout sediment layers, with patterns reflecting historical plastic use and deposition dynamics.
Abstract Microplastics are ubiquitous in the freshwater environment, while its abundance in the sediment profiles has received little attention. The vertical microplastic distribution in the sediment of the North (NTH) and Southwest (SWTH) Taihu Lake were identified and characterized in this study. Microplastics could be detected at all depths (0–50 cm) at the two sites, with the total abundance of 8066 and 5333 particles kg-1 dry weight sediment at NTH and SWTH, respectively. This indicates that the microplastic storage in the sediment of the Taihu Lake may be underestimated, if only the surface sediment is considered. Microplastics composed of various polymer types were identified in the sediment of the two sites, including polyamide (PA), acrylic acid (AA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cellulose acetate (CA), while high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) were only detected at NTH. The main type of polymers detected at NTH (42%) and SWTH (43%) were PA. The majority shape of microplastics was fibers, with a ratio of 76% and 78%, respectively at the site NTH and SWTH. The colors of microplastics were mainly white (accounted for 42% and 43% at NTH and SWTH, respectively), which may be caused by the long-term decomposition of dyestuff in the syngenesis of sediment and/or probably the degradation during sample treatments. The textile industry and fishery activities may provide the source. In summary, our findings in the Taihu Lake favors to understand the microplastic pollution and tackle microplastics challenges.
More Papers Like This
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the sediment profiles of the Lake Taihu, eastern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed vertical microplastic distribution in sediment cores from Lake Taihu, China, finding microplastics at all depths down to 50 cm with total abundances of up to 8,100 particles/kg dry weight, suggesting that surface sediment sampling significantly underestimates total microplastic storage.
Distribution and Sedimentation of Microplastics in Taihu Lake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied microplastic distribution and sedimentation in Taihu Lake, one of China's largest freshwater lakes, and its surrounding rivers. Microplastics were found throughout the lake with higher concentrations near urban and industrial areas, raising concerns for water quality and aquatic life.
Microplastic pollution in Taihu Lake: Spatial distribution from the lake inlet to the lake centre and vertical stratification in the water column
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped microplastic distribution in Taihu Lake from the inlet to the center and at different water depths. They found that concentrations were highest near the inlet and decreased toward the lake center, while vertical distribution showed accumulation patterns influenced by water movement and particle density. The study improves understanding of how microplastics move and settle within large freshwater lake systems.
Horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics in the Wuliangsuhai Lake sediment, northern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics in sediments of Wuliangsuhai Lake in Inner Mongolia, China was investigated to understand accumulation patterns in a shallow lake ecosystem. Microplastics were found throughout the lake sediments with depth-dependent vertical profiles, revealing the lake as a substantial reservoir for plastic particle accumulation.
Horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics in Gehu Lake, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed the horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics at different water depths across Gehu Lake in China, finding microplastics present throughout all depth layers with surface water showing the highest abundance (3.13 plus or minus 0.32 items/L) and bottom water the lowest (1.03 plus or minus 0.14 items/L). They found that most microplastic particles ranged from 100 to 500 micrometers in size with fibrous shapes predominating, and identified polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene as the main polymer types in the lake.
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.