We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence and Characteristics of Microplastics Pollution in Different Types of Urban Runoff
Summary
Researchers quantified and characterized microplastics in urban surface runoff from different land use types. They found microplastics in all runoff samples, with concentrations and dominant particle types varying by land use, suggesting that road surfaces and commercial areas are significant sources. The study contributes data for urban stormwater management strategies aimed at reducing microplastic loading in receiving waterways.
Recently, plastic debris and microplastics pollution have been found widely in marine and freshwater systems. As one of the major sources, microplastics distribution and pollution in urban surface runoff is still unknown. This study aimed at quantifying and analyzing the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in different urban runoff by simulating rainwater runoff to scour three types urban surfaces. The results showed that microplastics pollution occur in residential areas, parking lots and urban cement pavements with the average concentrations of microplastics, 145 particle/m 3 , 3 particle/m 3 and 1 particle/m 3 , respectively. The cumulative intensities of parking lots and urban cement pavements are much lower than residential roads, which might be highly due to frequently used plastics around these areas. Meanwhile, according to the calculation in this study, microplastics pollution in urban surface runoff may play a significant role in the contribution to that pollution in subsequent rivers and coastal oceans.