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Characterization of microplastics and anthropogenic fibers in surface waters of the North Saskatchewan River, Alberta, Canada
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Microplastic occurrence, composition, and spatial trends were investigated in the North Saskatchewan River flowing through Edmonton, Alberta. The study found microplastics throughout the urban river corridor, with fiber shapes and synthetic polymers from urban sources dominating the contamination profile.
Microplastics are globally ubiquitous contaminants, but quantitative data on their presence in freshwater environments are sparse. This study investigates the occurrence, composition, and spatial trends of microplastic contamination in the North Saskatchewan River flowing through Edmonton, Alberta, the fifth largest city in Canada. Surface water samples were collected from seven sites throughout the city, upstream and downstream of the city, and near potential point sources (i.e., a wastewater treatment plant). Samples were spiked with fluorescent microbeads as internal standards and extracted by wet peroxide oxidation and density floatation. Microplastics were found in all samples, ranging in concentration from 4.6 to 88.3 particles·m −3 (mean = 26.2 ± 18.4 particles·m −3 ). Fibers were the dominant morphology recovered, and most were of anthropogenic origin and chemically identified as dyed cotton or polyester by Raman microspectroscopy. The majority of fragments were identified as polyethylene or polypropylene. No upstream to downstream differences were found in concentration, size distribution, or morphological composition suggesting nonpoint sources of microplastics to the river. This study represents one of the first investigations into the occurrence of microplastics in the freshwater environment in western Canada and will provide a baseline for future studies.
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Microplastic Pollution in the Urbanized North Saskatchewan River
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Microplastic occurrence and potential point sources were investigated in the urbanized North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, Alberta, with water samples collected from multiple sites. The study documents microplastic contamination in a major Canadian prairie river and identifies urban wastewater and runoff as key local sources.
Levels and composition of microplastics and microfibers in the South Saskatchewan River and stormwater retention ponds in the City of Saskatoon, Canada
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Researchers measured microplastic and microfiber concentrations in the South Saskatchewan River and stormwater retention ponds in Saskatoon, Canada. The study documents freshwater microplastic contamination in a prairie river system and identifies stormwater infrastructure as a pathway for plastic pollution into waterways.
Levels and composition of microplastics and microfibers in the South Saskatchewan River and stormwater retention ponds in the City of Saskatoon, Canada
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This study characterized microplastic and microfiber levels in the South Saskatchewan River and urban stormwater ponds in Saskatoon, Canada — one of the first such surveys in the Canadian prairie region. About 77% of particles were natural fibers, with synthetic plastics averaging 4.43 particles per cubic meter downstream of a large reservoir that appeared to retain microplastics. The work provides baseline data for a vital prairie water source and suggests that reservoirs may act as unexpected microplastic traps.
Microscopy and elemental analysis characterisation of microplastics in sediment of a freshwater urban river in Scotland, UK
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Microscopy and elemental analysis of sediments from an urban river in Scotland revealed diverse microplastic types including fibers and fragments, with polyester and acrylic dominating, pointing to textile and urban runoff sources.
Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastics in surface water of typical urban rivers in North China, risk assessment and influencing factors
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in two urban rivers in North China across wet and dry seasons and found that concentrations generally increased from upstream to downstream. The most common plastics were polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, with natural factors dominating upstream and human activities driving pollution downstream. The study provides a reference for understanding how urbanization contributes to microplastic contamination in river systems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.