We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of Microplastic Concentrations in Slovenian Watercourses and Lakes
Summary
A Slovenian master's thesis tested three sampling methods for measuring microplastics in the Ljubljanica River and Lake Bled, finding microplastics and mesoplastics present in all samples. The study contributes baseline data on freshwater microplastic contamination in Central Europe and discusses potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health.
This master thesis focuses on microplastic sampling in the Ljubljanica River and Lake Bled using three different methods through the entire water column. We have developed and tested the sampling methodology by a petrol water pump through the water column for assessing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations. Waste legislation and regulations in Slovenia and in Europe, the main properties of plastic, the impact of plastic waste on the water environment and the impact of plastic and microplastics on the ecosystem and on humans have also been discussed. 38 samples were gathered using three sampling methods: a) surface – epi-neuston net, b) between the surface and the bottom – petrol water pump, c) sediment – Van Veen grab. The samples were examined thoroughly in a laboratory by two different methods according to the sampling method. Microplastics or mesoplastics were separated from the samples. Microplastic or mesoplastic sampling results obtained throughtout the methods used in sampling in the Ljubljanica River and Lake Bled were first compared separately. Furtheron, the results of the sampling methods between the Ljubljanica and Lake Bled were analysed. We have found out that microplastics can be identified in the Ljubljanica as well as in Lake Bled through the entire water column, mostly on the surface. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that microplastics are already present in Slovenian watercourses as well as in lakes which leads to potential ecological problems. The results show that a petrol water pump and its sampling methodology through the water column is more suitable for microplastic sampling in lakes than in watercourses. The comparison of the microplastic sampling results obtained by an epineuston net in the Ljubljanica and Lake Bled with the sampling results in certain watercourses and lakes around the world demonstrates that the results obtained in Slovenia are comparable to the ones around the world.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in karst ecosystems and its impact on drinking water quality
This doctoral dissertation investigated microplastic contamination in karst ecosystems — including springs, lakes, air, rainwater, and sediment — in Slovenia, with a focus on drinking water sources that serve over 20,000 residents. The research found microplastics present across all sampled environments and aimed to identify pollution sources and transport pathways to help protect vulnerable karst groundwater supplies.
Mikroplastika U Slatkim Vodama: Pregled Načina Uzorkovanja I Pratećih Analiza
This review summarizes methods for sampling and analyzing microplastics in freshwater environments, covering filtration, visual sorting, and spectroscopic identification techniques. Standardizing sampling methods is critical because microplastics are persistent pollutants that can take thousands of years to decompose and negatively affect aquatic organisms.
A Review of Microplastics in Freshwater Environments: Locations, Methods, and Pollution Loads
This review chapter summarizes global research on microplastics in freshwater environments, covering detection locations, sampling methods, and pollution levels. Because many freshwater bodies serve as drinking water sources, understanding where microplastics occur and in what quantities is critical for assessing risks to human health.
Microplastic in Freshwater Environment: A Review on Techniques and Abundance for Microplastic Detection in Lake Water
This review examines microplastic pollution in freshwater environments, summarizing detection techniques and reporting on abundance data from rivers, lakes, and streams worldwide. The authors highlight methodological inconsistencies that complicate cross-study comparisons and call for standardized sampling and analysis protocols.
Sources, Occurrence, and Analysis of Microplastics in Freshwater Environments
This review summarizes current knowledge on microplastic sources and occurrence in freshwater environments, noting that freshwater systems are major conduits delivering microplastics to the ocean. The review highlights that freshwater microplastic research lags far behind marine studies despite rivers and lakes being primary pollution pathways.