We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in aquatic environment: characterization, ecotoxicological effect, implications for ecosystems and developments in South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined microplastic sources, transport, chemical interactions, characterization methods, and ecotoxicological effects in aquatic environments, with a focus on the South African context. The authors assessed microplastic fate in wastewater treatment plants and summarized the current state and trends of microplastic research in South African freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Microplastics are small-size plastic piece scales (particles < 5 mm) in sediments and waters which interact with environment and organisms by various means. Microplastics are becoming a universal ecological concern since they may be a source of hazardous chemicals to marine organisms and environments. Recent research suggests microplastics could enable the transfer of hydrophobic aquatic pollutants or chemical additives to biota. Even though microplastic presence and interactions are recently being detected in marine and freshwater systems, the fate of microplastics is still very poorly understood. This literature review is a summary of the sources and transport of microplastics, their interactions with toxic chemicals and the methodologies for chemical quantification and characterization of microplastics. The environmental outcome and impact of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants were assessed as well as the trends and update on microplastic research in the South African aquatic ecosystem.
More Papers Like This
The Occurrence and Fate of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants in South Africa and the Degradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments—A Critical Review
AI summary Read the abstract
A review of microplastic research in South Africa reveals a critical data gap: despite the country generating around 120 million tons of waste annually, there is almost no published information on microplastic concentrations in its wastewater treatment plants or freshwater systems. The authors argue that urgent monitoring is needed to support effective policy, given that South Africa's infrastructure is under increasing pressure from urbanization and industrialization.
Identification and quantification of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques in Johannesburg East, South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers at two Johannesburg wastewater treatment works found extremely high concentrations of microplastics — over 3,000 particles per liter of influent — with the treatment processes removing most but not all particles before discharge. The study fills a data gap for South Africa and confirms that wastewater plants in the region are both a sink and a residual source of microplastic pollution into receiving water bodies.
Marine and freshwater microplastic research in South Africa
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes microplastic research in South Africa, noting that both marine and freshwater studies are still limited but growing. The review highlights key knowledge gaps, particularly in freshwater environments, that need to be addressed to understand the extent of South Africa's microplastic contamination.
Microplastic occurrence and fate in the South African environment: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes microplastic contamination across South Africa's freshwater, marine, and air environments. Researchers found microplastics in drinking water samples from major cities, with marine sediment levels along the southeast coast reaching particularly high concentrations. The findings emphasize the need for better wastewater treatment, stronger laws on single-use plastics, and more research on how this contamination affects human health.
Microplastic pollution in African countries’ water systems: a review on findings, applied methods, characteristics, impacts, and managements
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes findings on microplastic pollution in water systems across African countries, highlighting methodological approaches, particle characteristics, sources, and impacts, while noting the limited but growing body of African microplastic research.
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.