We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Analysis of macro-and microplastics in the water, soil/sediment in riverine, riverbanks and irrigated farms in Arusha Tanzania
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed both macro- and microplastics in water, sediment, and soil from rivers, riverbanks, and irrigated farmland in Arusha, Tanzania. They found that macroplastics were prevalent in riverine environments and degraded into microplastics, which then spread into agricultural soils through irrigation.
Abstract Microplastics and macroplastics have been reported in different urban rivers and agricultural soil across the globe. However, the interlink between them has not been previously assessed therefore, the present study evaluated the relationship between macro-and microplastics in the water columns and sediments in riverine, riverbanks, and soils from irrigated farms in Arusha, Tanzania. Detached pieces from macroplastics and suspected particles of microplastics from the samples were analyzed using the total attenuated reflectance - Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, where statistical analysis showed that the number of microplastics in the sediments was higher than in the water columns and that in irrigated farms than in the riverine by a magnitude of 4. Besides, the numbers of microplastics and macroplastics in the irrigation farms were exponentially-related while the macroplastics from the riverbanks had an inverse relationship with the rivers’ profile elevation. Polyethylene was the dominating macroplastic in the riverbanks and irrigated farms with a 100% frequency of occurrence while polystyrene was abundant in all samples of microplastics. However, the irrigated farms adjacent to canals had a greater number of microplastics and macroplastics. In generally, the findings showed a similar trend of plastic distribution in urban rivers and irrigated farms, suggesting an interaction between them.
More Papers Like This
Analysis of Macro- and Microplastics in Riverine, Riverbanks, and Irrigated Farms in Arusha, Tanzania
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of macro- and microplastics in rivers, riverbanks, and irrigated farms in Arusha, Tanzania found that microplastics in irrigated farm soils were four times higher than in riverine sediments, with an exponential relationship between macroplastic and microplastic abundance in farm soils.
Diversity and quantity of macro-and microplastics in irrigation farms sourcing water from an urban river: a case of Arusha Tanzania
AI summary Read the abstract
This study assessed the quantity and diversity of macro- and microplastics in smallholder irrigation farms sourcing water from an urban river in Arusha, Tanzania. Plastics were found in both the river and farm soils, with agricultural and urban waste identified as key sources.
Seasonal Abundance and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in Water and Sediments of Tropical Urban–Agricultural River System; A Case of Ngerengere River, Tanzania
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics — tiny plastic fragments too small to easily see — in both the water and riverbed sediment of Tanzania's Ngerengere River, which flows through farms and urban areas before supplying water to nearby communities. This matters because rivers like this one are often used for drinking water, irrigating crops, and fishing, meaning these plastic particles could make their way into the food and water people consume every day. The study highlights that plastic pollution is a growing problem even in developing countries with limited water monitoring, underscoring the need for better waste management to protect both ecosystems and human health.
Microplastics in irrigation water and vegetable garden soils adjacent to the Msimbazi river, Tanzania
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastics in irrigation water from the Msimbazi River in Tanzania and adjacent vegetable garden soils, finding higher MP concentrations downstream (14.33 MPs per 10 mL) compared to upstream, with garden soils similarly elevated at 34 MPs per gram near the river. The most prevalent polymers were LDPE (18-21%) and PP (20-22%), highlighting contamination risks for food crops irrigated with polluted water.
Vertical distribution of microplastics in urban farmland soils. A case of Mabibo Bonde la Mchicha farm, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped the vertical distribution of microplastics in farmland soils in an urban fringe area, finding that particles were not uniformly distributed by depth and that agricultural tillage influenced vertical mixing. Fibers and fragments were most abundant, predominantly from agricultural plastic films and irrigation water.
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.