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Initial survey of microplastics in bottom sediments from United States waterways
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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.
Given the reported extent of microplastics in the aquatic environment, environmentally relevant exposure information for sediments dredged by the US Army Corps of Engineers will lend context to the risks posed by this contaminant during dredging. We measured the occurrence, abundance, and polymer composition of microplastics in sediments collected from nine dredged waterways and two non-dredged reference areas. The number of particles in sediment samples ranged from 162 to 6110 particles/kg dry wt., with a mean of 1636 particles/kg dry wt. Fragments were the most prevalent shape observed among the 11 study sites (100% frequency of occurrence), followed by fibers (81%), spheres (75%), foams (38%) and films (34%). Based on analyses of chemical composition of the particles using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, polyethylene:propylene was the most common polymer type observed. Consistent with results presented by other investigators microplastic concentrations and polymer types in bottom sediments in this study were also aligned with the most widely used plastics worldwide.
More Papers Like This
Initial Survey of Microplastics in Bottom Sediments from United States Waterways
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted an initial survey of microplastic abundance, occurrence, and polymer composition in bottom sediments from nine dredged US waterways and two reference areas, finding particle counts ranging from 162 to 6,110 particles per kilogram dry weight.
Prospective study on macroplastics and microplastics within dredging sediments
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Researchers investigated the presence of both macroplastics and microplastics within dredged sediments along the Aa River in France, digging four pits at a dredging disposal site. The study found microplastics throughout the sediment layers, showing that dredging operations can redistribute plastic pollution.
Microplastic in Dredged Sediments: From Databases to Strategic Responses
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Researchers reviewed the existing scientific literature on microplastics in dredged sediments and built a publicly available database to improve understanding of contamination patterns. They found that microplastic concentrations were generally highest in the top 15 centimeters of sediment and that current guidelines do not address microplastic risks in dredging operations. The study recommends developing strategic management frameworks for handling microplastic-contaminated sediments during dredging projects.
Prospective study on macroplastics and microplastics in dredging sediments
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This conference presentation examines microplastics and macroplastics found in river dredging sediments, assessing contamination levels and implications for sediment management. The study is presented at an international audience and contributes to understanding how plastic pollution accumulates in river sediments subject to dredging activities.
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Analysis of dredged river sediment piles in southeast China found high MP concentrations (6,060–37,610 items/kg), and monitoring of surrounding soils and surface waters showed that dredging and stockpiling remobilized these MPs into adjacent agricultural land and waterways — a previously unrecognized dispersal pathway.
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