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Microplastics from effluents of sewage treatment works and stormwater discharging into the Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
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Researchers found that sewage treatment works and stormwater outfalls in Hong Kong discharge up to 10,816 microplastic pieces per cubic metre into Victoria Harbor, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymer types released at an average rate of 3.5 mg per capita per day. Bioaccumulation of these microplastics was also detected in marine fish collected from the harbor.
Sewage treatment works and stormwater outfalls were identified as sources of microplastics in the Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong. Local treated sewage and stormwater effluents contained up to 10,816 pieces per m of microplastics, mainly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), being discharged at an average rate of 3.5 mg per capita daily. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in marine fish collected from the vicinity of the effluent discharge outfalls was also studied. The temporal variations of microplastics in terms of abundance, shape and polymer type in fish were found consistent with those in the effluents and surface water. The abundance of microplastics was significantly higher in March 2017 (dry season). Microplastics in fish were predominantly in fiber form and identified as PE and PP. The observed temporal variations suggest uptake of microplastics by fish from the treated sewage and stormwater effluents.
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Microplastic pollution in the marine waters and sediments of Hong Kong
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Seasonal surveys of surface water and sediments across four coastal locations in Hong Kong found microplastics at all sites, with the highest concentrations in the most urbanized harbor areas. This first comprehensive study of Hong Kong coastal waters reveals that even heavily trafficked port environments accumulate large quantities of microplastic pollution.
Microplastic Accumulationin Hong Kong’s MarineSediment: Spatial Pattern and Potential Sources
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Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of microplastics in marine sediments across Hong Kong, finding uneven distribution with abundance ranging from near zero to high levels in urbanized areas. Source analysis pointed to household waste, fishing activity, and stormwater runoff as primary contributors.
Microplastic Accumulation in Hong Kong’s Marine Sediment: Spatial Pattern and Potential Sources
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Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of microplastics in marine sediments across Hong Kong's waters. They found microplastics at every sampling site, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms and polypropylene and polyethylene the dominant plastics. The spatial patterns suggest that coastal urbanization and water circulation are key factors driving where microplastics accumulate in sediments.
The influences of spatial-temporal variability and ecological drivers on microplastic in marine fish in Hong Kong
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Researchers found that over 57% of marine fish in Hong Kong waters contained microplastics, with higher abundance in fish from more polluted western waters during the wet season, and that omnivorous fish ingested significantly more microplastics than carnivorous fish regardless of collection location or season.
A systematic study of microplastic occurrence in urban water networks of a metropolis
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A comprehensive study of microplastic occurrence across 66 sewage samples, 18 sludge samples, and 36 stormwater drain samples in Hong Kong found MPs throughout the urban water network in both dry and wet seasons. Stormwater drains were identified as a significant parallel pathway for MP discharge to coastal waters alongside conventional sewage treatment.
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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.