We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Preliminary Investigation of Microplastics in Sediments from Industrial Manufacturing Waste Sources
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic contamination was investigated in sediments from industrial manufacturing waste sources, finding that plastics -- particularly polyethylene particles -- accumulate in sediments as repositories for both point-source and diffuse microplastic pollution.
Microplastics (particles with a size of less than 5 mm) are a rising environmental problem. Microplastics can disseminate in the air and accumulate in sediments as well as in microorganisms and humans, due to their small size. Sediment is considered to be the major repository of microplastics, particularly those of the PE type. Microplastics in massive amounts accumulated in sediments, perhaps as a result of point sources or diffuse contamination. Microplastic contamination can spread from industrial production facilities, urban areas, agricultural areas, or the air. The current study was carried out to explore the occurrence of MPs in sediments at discharge sources by evaluating 27 sediment samples taken from 9 distinct waste sources from industrial activity locations to determine the amount of microplastic contamination in sediments at discharge sources. Microplastics with relatively high density were found in all sediment samples in this research, ranging from 2,900 to 238,200 particles/kg dw. The most prevalent microplastics detected in sediment samples at these sites were fibers and fragments, accounting for 59-94% and 6-41%, respectively. Fiber microplastics ranged in size from 1000 to 9,000 µm, whereas fragment microplastics ranged from 200,000 to 2,100,000 µm2. Microplastics with < 1000 µm and 1000-2000 µm sizes accounted for a significant portion of the total, reaching 21.05-37.84% and 39.74-61.17%, respectively. The hue of microplastic particles in sediment samples obtained was highly varied.
More Papers Like This
Sediment dispersal of PE and PVC primary microplastics in a coastal archipelago surrounding a plastic production industrial complex
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested seafloor sediment near a plastics factory complex on Sweden's west coast and found tiny plastic particles in every sample, mostly polyethylene, PVC and polypropylene. Levels were highest close to the factory and dropped further away, with polyethylene spreading more widely and PVC staying more concentrated near its source.
Petrochemical industry as a source for microplastics; abundance and characteristics of pollution in soil, sewage, and bay
AI summary Read the abstract
This is the first study to track microplastic pollution from a petrochemical industrial site through its soil, wastewater, and into the nearby bay. Soil near the production facilities contained up to 4,620 microplastic particles per kilogram, and significant amounts passed through wastewater treatment into open waters. The research shows that plastic manufacturing facilities are a direct and substantial source of microplastic contamination in the environment.
Research Progress on Sources and EcologicalEffects of Microplastics in Sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes research on the sources and ecological effects of microplastics in sediments, tracing transport pathways from terrestrial runoff through freshwater systems to marine sediment sinks and documenting impacts on benthic organisms and ecosystem function. Sediments serve as long-term reservoirs of microplastic pollution, making sediment ecology a critical lens for understanding cumulative environmental burden and food chain exposure risks posed by plastic debris.
Initial survey of microplastics in bottom sediments from United States waterways
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic occurrence and abundance in sediments from nine dredged US waterways and two undredged reference sites, providing baseline contamination data relevant to the US Army Corps of Engineers' dredging operations. Microplastics were found in all dredged sediment samples, with higher concentrations in more urbanized areas. This study provides context for assessing risks when dredging contaminated sediments that may redistribute microplastics in waterways.
Risk assessment of microplastic exposure: A case study near a refinery factory at the central coast of Vietnam
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination on a beach near a refinery on the central coast of Vietnam and found plastic particles in all collected samples, averaging about 1,582 particles per kilogram of sediment. Fibers and fragments were the dominant shapes, with polyethylene terephthalate being the most common polymer type. The study indicates that industrial coastal areas face elevated microplastic pollution levels that may pose environmental and health risks.
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.