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Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in an urban river: A case study in the Pearl River along Guangzhou City, China
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Microplastics were measured in surface water and sediments at 14 sites along the urban Pearl River in Guangzhou, finding 379–7,924 items/m³ in water and 80–9,597 items/kg in sediment with polyethylene and polypropylene as dominant types, and a significant relationship between population density and microplastic abundance. The study documents extremely high microplastic contamination in an urban Chinese river and quantifies the influence of urbanization on microplastic loading.
Microplastics, as emerging contaminants in the global environment, have become a cause for concern for both academics and the public. The present understanding of microplastic pollution is primarily focused on marine environments, and less attention has been given to freshwater environments, in particular, to urban rivers. In this study, microplastics were sampled from surface water and sediments in 14 sites located in the lower course of the Pearl River. These sampling sites are located along Guangzhou of South China, with built-up areas being the dominant land use. The abundances of microplastics in surface water and sediments ranged from 379 to 7924 items·m and 80 to 9597 items·kg, respectively. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the common types of microplastics, together accounting for 64.3% and 73.8% of surface water and sediment samples, respectively. Fibers were the dominant microplastic shapes in both water and sediment samples. The abundances of microplastics varied in surface water and sediments with each site, which might be affected by multiple factors. Our results indicated that wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) could reduce microplastics from municipal sewage which was finally discharged into the Pearl River along Guangzhou.
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Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition in the Pearl River along Guangzhou city and Pearl River estuary, China
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Microplastic abundance and distribution were surveyed in the Pearl River urban section through Guangzhou and the Pearl River estuary, finding average concentrations of 19,860 items/m³ in the urban section and 8,902 items/m³ in the estuary, with over 80% of particles smaller than 0.5 mm. The study documents exceptionally high microplastic concentrations in an urban Chinese river and identifies wastewater effluent and urban tributaries as major sources.
Measurement, quantification, and potential risk of microplastics in the mainstream of the Pearl River (Xijiang River) and its estuary, Southern China
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Microplastic distribution was surveyed across the mainstream and estuary of China's Pearl River, finding higher concentrations near urban centers and establishing a detailed inventory of microplastic abundance, polymer types, and potential sources in this major waterway.
Distribution characteristics of microplastics in urban rivers in Chengdu city: The influence of land-use type and population and related suggestions
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Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations in urban rivers of Chengdu, China, finding MP abundances of 20-763 items per liter in water and linking higher concentrations to dense residential areas and industrial land use. Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers dominated the MP assemblage, consistent with textile laundering and household waste as primary sources.
Distribution, sedimentary record, and persistence of microplastics in the Pearl River catchment, China
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Researchers traced the sources, distribution, and persistence of microplastics throughout the Pearl River catchment in China, from the main river and its tributaries to the estuary. They found microplastics in all water and sediment samples, with polyethylene and polypropylene fragments dominating, and identified municipal wastewater as a major source. The study also examined sediment cores showing that microplastic deposition has increased over recent decades, reflecting the growth of plastic production and consumption.
Microplastic pollution in Pearl River networks: Characteristic, potential sources, and migration pathways
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution across the Pearl River Basin in China, one of the country's largest river systems, and found microplastics in every water sample at an average of about 1,093 particles per liter. Population density and rainwater runoff were the main factors driving contamination levels, with rainfall washing plastics from land into the river. Since the Pearl River supplies water for millions of people, these findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure through drinking water sources.
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