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Microplastics in Sediment and Surface Water of West Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake: Abundance, Source and Composition

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018 204 citations

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Microplastics were found in both surface water and sediments of West Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake in China, with fibers and fragments as the dominant types and concentrations influenced by proximity to urban and agricultural land use. The study provides the first data on microplastic contamination in China's second-largest freshwater lake system.

Study Type Environmental

Microplastic pollution was investigated in sediment and surface water in West Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake for the first time. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 616.67 to 2216.67 items/m³ and 716.67 to 2316.67 items/m³ in the lakeshore surface water of West Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake, respectively. The highest levels of microplastic pollution were found in the lakes' outlets. In the lake center sites of the West Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake, the abundance of microplastics ranged from 433.33 to 1500 items/m³ and 366.67 to 1566.67 items/m³, respectively. Meanwhile, the study found that in lakeshore sediment of West Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake, microplastic concentrations ranged from 320 to 480 items/m³ and 200⁻1150 items/m³. Polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were most common in the surface water and sediment samples, respectively. In addition, we suggest that the effects of polymer types in microplastics should be taken into account when considering abundance. This study can provide valuable points of reference to better understanding microplastic pollution in inland freshwater areas.

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