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Microplastic risk assessment in surface waters: A case study in the Changjiang Estuary, China
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Researchers assessed microplastic risk in surface waters of the Changjiang Estuary, finding measurable contamination and identifying this major river delta as a significant source and pathway for microplastic transport into coastal marine environments.
The rapid development of plastic industry has resulted in a series of environmental problems caused by microplastics originating from larger plastics. Microplastic pollution risk in surface waters of the Changjiang Estuary was explored based on risk assessment models. The average microplastic concentration was 23.1 ± 18.2 n/100 L. Shape, size, color and composition types of microplastics were examined. The risk assessment models were developed using data on both the concentration and chemical hazard of microplastic polymers. Assessment results indicated that polyvinyl chloride exhibited a critical concern for microplastic risk. Areas around aquaculture farms were regarded as "hotspots" of microplastic pollution due to the accumulation of microplastics and the presence of hazardous microplastic. This risk assessment of microplastics bridged gaps in understanding between field research and policy-making for surface waters. This research provides baseline data for assessing the environmental risk of microplastics in this growing area of research.
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Microplastics in sediments of the Changjiang Estuary, China
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Researchers sampled sediments in the Changjiang Estuary and found microplastics throughout, with concentrations and polymer types reflecting inputs from the Yangtze River and coastal human activities.
Analysis of suspended microplastics in the Changjiang Estuary: Implications for riverine plastic load to the ocean
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Suspended microplastics were measured in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Estuary, one of the world's largest rivers, to estimate its total plastic load delivered to the East China Sea. The study found substantial and highly variable microplastic concentrations that, when scaled to river discharge, suggest the Yangtze contributes a significant fraction of total global riverine plastic input to the ocean.
Suspended microplastics in the surface water of the Yangtze Estuary System, China: First observations on occurrence, distribution
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Researchers measured suspended microplastic concentrations in surface water across the Yangtze Estuary system in China, finding spatial gradients that reflected inputs from the Yangtze River and local coastal sources.
Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in Surface Seawater off the Yangtze River Estuary Section and Analysis of Ecological Risk Assessment
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface seawater near the Yangtze River estuary across four seasons in 2017 and 2019. They found microplastics at all sampling stations, with abundance varying by season and influenced by river discharge and ocean currents. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution levels in this ecologically important estuarine region of China.
Distribution, Sources, and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in the Lower Minjiang River
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Researchers characterized microplastic abundance, morphology, and polymer composition in surface water and sediments from the lower Minjiang River in China, then used pollution load indices and ecological risk assessments alongside socioeconomic data to identify likely pollution sources and ecological impacts.
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.