We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the sediments of Poyang Lake, China
Summary
Researchers found microplastic contamination in sediments across Poyang Lake, China, with abundances ranging from 11 to 3,153 items per kilogram dry weight, and identified significant spatial variability linked to human activity and hydrological conditions.
Microplastics are considered to be a widespread environmental contaminant, posing a serious threat to the aquatic environment. We addressed this issue based on field observations and laboratory analysis of samples from Poyang Lake. We collected sediment samples from 10 sites across Poyang Lake during 2017. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that the abundance of microplastics ranged from 11 to 3,153 items/kg dw in the sediment samples. Except at Nanjishan, the amount of microplastics in different periods decreased in the order: December > April > July. Microplastics with a size <1 mm were the most abundant fraction in sediments, reaching over 50%. Observations under microscope revealed four types of microplastics in Poyang Lake: fragments, films, foams and fibers. Fragments were more common in sediments. Microplastics have complex surface topography, typically including rough surfaces, porous structures, cracks and extensive damage. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicated that most microplastics contained Si, Na, Ca, Cl and Al. Overall, the results provided strong evidence of high levels of microplastics in Poyang Lake, suggested that the microplastics pollution status in Poyang Lake should continue to be monitored.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition in water, sediments, and wild fish from Poyang Lake, China
Microplastics were measured in surface water, sediments, and fish (crucian carp) across Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, finding 5–34 items/L in water, 54–506 items/kg in sediments, and 0–18 items per fish, with heterogeneous spatial distribution related to anthropogenic and topographic factors. The study provides comprehensive multi-compartment baseline data on microplastic contamination in a major Chinese freshwater ecosystem.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in China’s largest freshwater lake system
Researchers found high levels of microplastics in both water and sediment across China's largest freshwater lake system, Poyang Lake, with concentrations up to 1,064 particles per cubic meter in water. The study reveals widespread contamination even in protected nature reserves, emphasizing the scale of the freshwater microplastics problem.
Levels And Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics In Water And Sediment of A Typical Shallow Lake In Northern China
Scientists measured microplastic levels in the water and sediment of Baiyangdian Lake, a shallow lake in northern China. They found between 1,000 and 20,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter of water and up to 2,200 particles per kilogram of sediment. Despite pollution control efforts, microplastics remain widespread in this lake ecosystem.
Microplastic distribution in large shallow lake sediments: Variations with offshore distance and implications for microbial communities
Researchers analyzed microplastic distribution in sediments of Taihu Lake at varying distances from shore and examined the effects on microbial communities. They found that microplastic abundance decreased with increasing distance from the shoreline, ranging from 240 to 1,120 items per kilogram. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in lake sediments can significantly alter the composition and diversity of local microbial communities.
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the sediment profiles of the Lake Taihu, eastern China
Researchers analyzed vertical microplastic distribution in sediment cores from Lake Taihu, China, finding microplastics at all depths down to 50 cm with total abundances of up to 8,100 particles/kg dry weight, suggesting that surface sediment sampling significantly underestimates total microplastic storage.