We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Distribution characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in Lake Bosten
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically investigated the distribution, characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastics in Bosten Lake — China's largest inland freshwater lake — finding surface water abundances of 1.33-9.43 items/L and sediment concentrations of 152-953 items/kg dry weight dominated by white and black polypropylene fibers and fragments. Potential sources include residential activities, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, with seasonal variation in risk and an overall high-risk designation using the potential ecological risk index.
As a widespread emerging pollutant, microplastics (MPs) have become one of the most significant threats to global ecosystems. Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China, represents a typical lake in an arid zone. To provide a theoretical basis for MPs pollution control in such regions, this study systematically investigated the characteristics, distribution, and ecological risks of MPs in Bosten Lake. Results show that MPs were widely present in the lake, with abundances in surface water ranging from 1.33 to 9.43 n/L (mean: 4.8 ± 1.78 n/L) and in sediments ranging from 151.55 to 953.31 n/kg dry weight (dw) (mean: 479.11 ± 210.22 n/kg), suggesting the presence of certain levels of pollution when compared to domestic and international studies. White (54.09 ± 5.14%) and black (30.07 ± 4.28%) MPs dominated, with fibers and fragments comprising over 70% of the forms. Polypropylene particles (0.1-0.5 mm) were the predominant type. Potential sources include residential activities, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. Seasonal variations were observed in ecological risk, with the potential ecological risk index indicating an overall high-risk level. These findings highlight the need for dynamic management strategies for Bosten Lake and provide a scientific basis for monitoring MPs and assessing their ecological impacts in arid lake environments.
More Papers Like This
Distribution characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in Lake Bosten
AI summary Read the abstract
Lake Bosten in northwestern China — a large, semi-closed lake in an arid region — was found to be significantly contaminated with microplastics, with concentrations varying by location and season in both surface water and sediments. Transparent fibers were the most common type, likely originating from agricultural plastics and textile sources prevalent in the region. The study also conducted a risk assessment suggesting that microplastic pollution in the lake poses an ecological concern for aquatic organisms living there.
Microplastics and their interaction with microorganisms in Bosten Lake sediment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first study of microplastic contamination in the sediment of Bosten Lake in China, finding plastics throughout the lake with the highest levels near populated areas. The most common types were PET and polyethylene, primarily in fiber form. Certain bacteria associated with plastic breakdown were more abundant in heavily contaminated areas, but the presence of microplastics in this freshwater system raises concerns about their entry into the food chain.
Abundance and distribution of microplastics in water and sediment of Baiyangdian Lake, Northern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed Baiyangdian Lake in northern China and found microplastics at concentrations of 1,000 to 20,000 particles per liter across water depths and sediments. Fibers were the dominant type, highlighting widespread contamination in a major freshwater lake system.
TracingFootprintand Risk of Microplastics and Microfibersin the Lakes across China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers traced microplastics and microfibers in 102 lakes across China using field sampling, source apportionment, and a novel Integrated Microplastic Risk Index (IMRI) incorporating abundance, particle characteristics, and human footprint. Abundance in sediments ranged from 0.3 to 6,600 items/kg, with risk levels highest in densely populated lake catchments.
Distribution and sedimentation of microplastics in Taihu Lake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance in water, sediment, and inflowing rivers of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, finding widespread contamination with fibers as the dominant type and higher concentrations near urban and agricultural shorelines.
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.