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Microplastics in stormwater runoff in a semiarid region, Tijuana, Mexico
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Microplastic pollution was documented in stormwater runoff in Tijuana, Mexico, a semi-arid border region, with concentrations reflecting both local land use patterns and proximity to the Pacific coast. The study highlights that microplastic-laden stormwater from urban areas in developing regions is a significant but understudied pathway to ocean pollution.
Land-based sources are considered the most important source of microplastic pollution to marine environment. Stormwater runoff has been identified as one of the main pollutant contributors to water bodies. Seven sites were sampled to identify and quantify microplastics in stormwater runoff in Tijuana, Mexico. The median microplastic abundance found in the samples was between 66 and 191 particles L, the highest abundance being recorded in an industrial land use site. The estimated annual total microplastic loads were between 8 × 10 and 3 × 10 particles ha. The most abundant microplastic shape and identified polymer type were fibers and polyethylene, respectively. The highest microplastic abundances were observed in events with higher rainfall. The results have shown that stormwater runoff is an important source of microplastic to water bodies.
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Microplastics in Urban Watersheds, Southern California, USA
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This study characterized microplastic transport in urban watersheds of Southern California across a range of storm and dry weather flow conditions. Microplastic concentrations were highest during initial storm events as accumulated plastics were flushed from urban surfaces. The findings highlight stormwater runoff from urban areas as a major driver of microplastic transport to the marine environment.
Land use-based characterization and source apportionment of microplastics in urban storm runoffs in a tropical region
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Urban stormwater runoff in a tropical monsoon region contained 4.7 particles/L and 3.8 mg/L microplastics on average, with concentrations following land use order of industrial > transportation > commercial > residential, and approximately 85% of sources identifiable by morphology and polymer type.
Characterization of Transboundary Transfer Mechanisms for Improved Plastic Waste Management: A Study on the U.S.–Mexico Border
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This study quantified and characterized plastic debris abundance and composition in the Tijuana River estuary along the US-Mexico border, finding 2,804 plastic items with 79.3% collected during heavy rainfall events. Five economic sectors dominated the plastic sources including packaging, food, construction, fishing, and tourism, highlighting how multiple use and waste management phases contribute to transboundary plastic pollution.
Occurrence and Characteristics of Microplastics Pollution in Different Types of Urban Runoff
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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.
Occurrence of microplastics and phthalate esters in urban runoff: A focus on the Persian Gulf coastline
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Researchers reported the first measurements of microplastics and phthalate esters in urban runoff along the Persian Gulf coastline in Bushehr, Iran, identifying urban stormwater as an important but understudied pathway for transferring these pollutants to the marine environment.
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.