We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in sediments from an interconnected river-estuary region
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of sediments from two rivers and their connecting estuary in northeastern China found 19 polymer types in microplastics, with film and fragment shapes dominant and higher concentrations in the rivers than the estuary. The results support the hypothesis that estuaries partially trap microplastics before they reach the sea.
Microplastics are an emerging pollutant of international concern due to its wide distribution through various pathways. Estuary is an important pathway for land microplastics to enter into the oceans by rivers. In this study, we hypothesized that microplastics would sink into estuary sediment during diffusion and transmission from river before entering into the sea, which results in higher accumulation of microplastics in proximity to river-estuary than in the oceans. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, sediment samples were collected from an estuary and its two main inputting rivers and the microplastics in these samples were analyzed. In the collected sediment samples, 19 types of polymers, including the three most common polymers (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and poly(propylene:ethylene)), were identified and confirmed by FT-IR. Eight types of polymers were consistently detected in all samples, while 11 types of polymers were occasionally found in some samples. These microplastics exhibited four shapes and their percentages followed the high-to-low order of film, fragment, fiber and pellet. A relatively lower abundance of microplastics was found in river sediments from Shuangtaizi River with an average of 170 ± 96 particles/kg d.w., compared to that from Daliao River with an average of 237 ± 129 particles/kg d.w., but it was higher than that from Liaohe Estuary with an average of 120 ± 46 particles/kg d.w. Furthermore, the highest concentration of microplastics was found at the mouth of rivers, showing high accumulation where the freshwater and saltwater meet. Results from this study, including the abundance, characteristics and spatial distribution of microplastic pollution in sediments from an interconnected river-estuary system, revealed the fate and distribution of microplastics in the river and estuary environment.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic in three urban estuaries, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed three urban estuaries in China and found microplastics throughout, with concentrations and types reflecting the combined influence of surrounding city density, stormwater runoff, and tidal mixing.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the surface water and sediment of two typical estuaries in Bohai Bay, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in both surface water and sediments of two estuaries in Bohai Bay, China, with higher concentrations in sediments than in surface water and spatial patterns influenced by human activities. The study adds to evidence that estuaries are hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to their role as receiving waters for terrestrial runoff.
Spatial distribution, morphology, and risk assessment of microplastics in sediment from the Pearl River Estuary, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediment from the Pearl River Estuary in China, one of the world's most densely populated coastal regions. They found microplastics widely distributed across the estuary, with varying shapes and polymer types linked to both urban and industrial sources. The study provides a risk assessment suggesting that sediment microplastic pollution in this ecosystem warrants ongoing monitoring and management.
Hydro-sedimentary conditions shape the microplastic occurrence in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary (China)
AI summary Read the abstract
A field study of the Pearl River Estuary in southern China found microplastic concentrations in sediments ranging from 4 to 220 particles/kg, with higher abundance in nearshore zones, and identified hydrodynamic conditions and proximity to urban areas as the main drivers of spatial variation.
Occurrence, potential sources, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in the inland river basins in Northern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in a typical urban river system in Northern China, examining both surface water and sediment samples. They found that river sediments contained dramatically more microplastics than surface water, acting as a sink for this pollution, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common types. The study suggests that small fiber and fragment-shaped particles under 0.5 mm dominate these environments, likely originating from everyday plastic products and wastewater discharge.
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.