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Priority control of classical contaminants over emerging contaminants in the Asia’s largest river sediments
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Analysis of 112 micro-organic contaminants in Yangtze River sediments found that classical contaminants — polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phthalate esters — dominated the priority risk list over emerging contaminants at both basin-wide and provincial levels, with DEHP and di-n-butyl phthalate among the top seven pollutants. This prioritization framework is significant for microplastic research because phthalate plasticizers leach from microplastics into sediments and represent one of the most widespread and highest-risk co-contaminants.
Abstract Chemical pollution of aquatic environments is growing global concern, however, it is still unclear what compounds deserve more attention. Here we proposed to use the environmental health prioritization index method in conjunction with the principle of risk maximization to determine the priority list of 112 typical micro-organic contaminants (including classical and emerging contaminants) in the Asia’s largest river – Yangtze River. The results showed that naphthalene, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, pyrene, di-isobutyl phthalate, phenanthrene, di-n-butyl phthalate and benzo[b]fluoranthene were the top 7 pollutants in the whole basin. When compared with emerging contaminants, it was interestingly found that the two classical contaminants (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phthalate esters) were the most dominant in the priority list, either from the whole basin or provincial level. This study offered a feasible methodology for priority substances screening, in addition, the meaningful findings would be beneficial to the effective management and control of chemical contaminants.
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Researchers developed a screening method to rank the 185 most concerning emerging chemical contaminants found in Yangtze River sediments, identifying 7 top-priority chemicals — including 5 pesticides and 2 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, a class of highly persistent 'forever chemicals'). The framework provides a practical tool for river managers to focus pollution monitoring and regulatory action where it matters most.
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Phthalate esters in the Largest River of Asia: An exploration as indicators of microplastics
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Researchers conducted the first investigation of phthalate ester (PAE) pollution throughout Yangtze River sediments, finding 14 of 16 PAE types at all sites with concentrations related to urbanization and industrial activity, and explored their potential as chemical proxy indicators for microplastic pollution patterns. Strong correlations between PAEs and microplastic distribution suggest that PAEs could serve as soluble chemical tracers for microplastic contamination in large river systems.
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Researchers mapped heavy metal and microplastic contamination in river sediments in China, finding that cadmium, lead, and arsenic posed the highest contamination risk, while fiber-shaped microplastics under 500 micrometers were most common. Heavy metals were found concentrated on microplastic surfaces through electrostatic attraction and bacterial biofilms, meaning the plastics serve as carriers for toxic metals in the water. This combined pollution is concerning because river sediments can release contaminants into water used for drinking and agriculture.
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