We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Determination of Microplastics in the Sediment of Chicago and Des Plaines River
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in sediments from both the Chicago North Branch River and the Des Plaines River, with concentrations varying by location and proximity to urban activity. The findings indicate that river sediments in the Chicago metropolitan area serve as sinks for microplastic contamination, with implications for benthic organisms living in those sediments.
Microplastics are an emergent pollutant garnering concern in multiple disciplines. While microplastics can be adsorbed on particles and deposit on the sediment, determining microplastics in sediments remains unstudied. This study determines the abundance of microplastics in the sediments of the Chicago North Branch River and the Des Plaines River in support of understanding potential exposure of microplastics to benthic organisms. Sediment samples were collected from locations varying in surrounding population and urbanization. Due to the campus closure, only sediment samples collected two sites (DB and DC) of the Des Plaines River were analyzed for microplastics. The average concentration of site DB and DC was 33.3 and 77.5 particles/kg sediment, respectively. These concentrations were high compared to literature concentrations of microplastics in the water column. The results of these samples indicate that microplastics are abundant in urban river sediment, and pose a potential exposure to benthic communities.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic in surface waters of urban rivers: concentration, sources, and associated bacterial assemblages
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic levels in the surface waters of the Chicago River and its urban tributaries, finding concentrations as high as 1.94 particles per cubic meter near wastewater outflows. They discovered that microplastic fibers and pellets were often colonized by bacterial communities distinct from those in the surrounding water. The study provides early evidence that urban rivers are significant conduits for microplastic pollution and that these particles may serve as rafts for microorganisms.
Microplastic Concentrations and Types in a Central Illinois Urban Stream
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled microplastic concentrations in a small urban stream and its tributaries in central Illinois, finding widespread contamination with higher levels near more urbanized land use. The study also detected seasonal variation in concentrations, adding to evidence that small urban waterways are significant pathways for plastic pollution reaching larger water bodies.
Benthic macroinvertebrates and microplastic contamination in contrasting water quality environments of the Middle Tietê River basin (São Paulo, Brazil)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in benthic invertebrates and sediments between a heavily polluted urban river and a cleaner tributary in São Paulo, Brazil. Higher microplastic concentrations were found near urban areas, confirming that human activity drives plastic accumulation in freshwater ecosystems.
Microplastic distribution and their abundance along rivers are determined by land uses and sediment granulometry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied two river watersheds and found that microplastics were widespread in both water and sediment, with concentrations in water rising alongside increased urban land use. Interestingly, microplastics trapped in sediment were more influenced by the grain size of the riverbed than by human activity. The findings suggest that both human factors and natural river characteristics work together to shape where microplastics end up in freshwater systems.
Abundance, Distribution, and Drivers of Microplastic Contamination in Urban River Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in sediments from the River Tame and its tributaries flowing through Birmingham, UK, finding microplastics in every sample at an average of 165 particles per 100 grams. The study identified urban density, wastewater treatment plant proximity, and river hydrodynamics as key drivers of microplastic accumulation hotspots in urban rivers.
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.