We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Marine neustonic microplastics around the southeastern coast of Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic debris floating in coastal waters near the mouth of the Nakdong River in South Korea before and after the rainy season, finding that rainfall dramatically increased microplastic concentrations. The study identified rivers as major conduits for land-based plastic to reach the marine neustonic zone.
We investigated floating debris around the mouth of the Nakdong River in the Southeastern Sea of Korea using a Manta trawl (330-μm mesh) and hand-net (50 μm) before (May) and after (July) the rainy season in 2012. Microplastic (<2 mm) was present at all of the stations, whereas Styrofoam (2-5 mm) peaked only at a few stations far from the Nakdong River mouth in July. The dominant types were fibers (polyester), hard plastic (polyethylene), paint particles (alkyd), and Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene). The average abundances of fibers and hard plastic (<2 mm) in the trawl were significantly higher in July than in May (p<0.005, p<0.05, respectively), while two orders of magnitude more microplastics (<2 mm) were collected with the hand-net than with the trawl. Fibers and hard plastic by trawl were significantly compared temporally, and the hand-net proved the missed microplastics (50-330 μm) when trawl used.
More Papers Like This
Spatiotemporal distribution and annual load of microplastics in the Nakdong River, South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were measured seasonally and spatially throughout the Nakdong River in South Korea, finding 293–4,760 particles/m³ in water and 1,970 particles/kg in sediment, with concentrations three times higher at the surface than mid-water in downstream areas and an estimated annual load of 15.45 billion particles to the sea. The study provides comprehensive temporal and spatial microplastic flux data for a major Korean river.
Distribution of Microplastics in Freshwater, Brackish Water, and Seawater Along the Lower Nakdong River
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in freshwater, brackish water, and seawater along the lower Nakdong River in South Korea, finding higher concentrations in seawater. The study documents how microplastics accumulate as river water transitions to the sea, contributing to understanding of how plastic pollution is distributed through coastal ecosystems.
The significant impact of MPs in the industrial/municipal effluents on the MPs abundance in the Nakdong River, South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic pollution in the Nakdong River, South Korea, which flows through major industrial and urban areas before reaching the sea. They found that industrial and municipal wastewater effluents significantly increased microplastic concentrations downstream. The study identifies wastewater discharge as a primary driver of river microplastic contamination and highlights the need for improved treatment technologies.
Underestimated land-to-sea microplastic emissions: The crucial role of rainfall events
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic emission characteristics during a rainfall event in Masan Bay, Korea, using time-weighted sampling in the Samhochoen stream to capture temporal variation in microplastic loads. They found that microplastic abundance peaked during early runoff stages and was strongly influenced by rainfall intensity, with polypropylene and polyethylene accounting for roughly 60% of detected polymers.
Underestimated land-to-sea microplastic emissions: The crucial role of rainfall events
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the emission characteristics and loads of microplastics transported into Masan Bay via the Samhocheon stream during a rainfall event using time-weighted sampling, finding microplastic abundances ranging from 4.60 to 118 particles per liter with an event mean concentration of 29.87 particles per liter. They found that microplastic concentrations peaked during early runoff and varied with rainfall intensity, with polypropylene and polyethylene accounting for approximately 60% of detected polymers.
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.