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Papers
40 resultsShowing papers from Stellenbosch University
ClearCyanobacteria Harmful Algae Blooms: Causes, Impacts, and Risk Management
This review covers harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria, which release toxins that threaten fish, pets, livestock, and human health through contaminated water. The blooms are worsened by agricultural runoff and industrial pollution, and the authors call for better monitoring tools and standardized methods to detect and manage these toxic events.
People need freshwater biodiversity
This paper catalogs nine essential services that freshwater biodiversity provides to people, from food and clean water to climate regulation and cultural value. While not directly about microplastics, freshwater ecosystems are increasingly threatened by microplastic pollution, which can harm the aquatic organisms that provide these critical benefits to human communities.
International consensus guidelines for the definition, detection, and interpretation of autophagy-dependent ferroptosis
This scientific review provides guidelines for understanding a specific type of cell death called autophagy-dependent ferroptosis, where cells essentially digest their own protective components and then die from iron-driven damage. While not directly about microplastics, this process is relevant because microplastics and nanoplastics have been shown to trigger oxidative stress and iron-related cell damage in tissues. Understanding these cell death pathways helps researchers assess how plastic particle exposure could harm organs like the liver, brain, and lungs.
Fibrinaloid Microclots and Atrial Fibrillation
This review explores whether tiny, abnormal blood clots called fibrinaloid microclots might contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. Known risk factors for atrial fibrillation, including infections and air pollution by particulates, are also known to trigger these microclots. While not directly about microplastics, the research is relevant because airborne microplastic particles are a form of particulate pollution that could potentially contribute to microclot formation and cardiovascular problems.
Future-proofing the emergency recovery plan for freshwater biodiversity
This paper outlines a global emergency recovery plan for freshwater biodiversity, which is declining faster than in any other ecosystem type. The plan identifies six priority actions including improving water quality, restoring habitats, and controlling invasive species. Reducing pollution, including microplastics and other contaminants entering freshwater systems, is a key component of the proposed recovery strategy.
Seasonal occurrence of microplastics in sediment of two South African recreational reservoirs
Researchers tracked seasonal microplastic levels in sediments from two recreational reservoirs in South Africa, one near agricultural land and the other near populated areas. They found microplastics at all sites, with significantly higher concentrations near areas of greater human activity, particularly during the hot-dry season. The study highlights that even inland freshwater systems in regions with relatively low industrial presence are not immune to microplastic pollution.
The interaction between seagrass meadow density and microplastic retention in four cool-temperate estuaries
Researchers examined whether seagrass meadows trap microplastics in their sediments across four South African estuaries. They found that in three of the four estuaries, dense seagrass beds contained more microplastics than bare sediment, with fibers and fragments being the most common types caught. The study confirms that seagrasses can act as natural filters for microplastic pollution, though the potential effects of trapped plastics on seagrass health remain unknown.
Assessment of Microplastic and Heavy Metal Contamination in Durban Harbour Sediments: Ecological Implications for Grandidierella lignorum
Researchers assessed microplastic and heavy metal contamination in sediments from five sites within Durban Harbour, South Africa, and evaluated ecological impacts on the amphipod Grandidierella lignorum. The study found that contamination levels varied spatially and seasonally, with elevated concentrations of metals and microplastics at certain sites correlating with adverse effects on the test organism.
Investigating the Physicochemical Property Changes of Plastic Packaging Exposed to UV Irradiation and Different Aqueous Environments
Researchers investigated UV-driven degradation of polypropylene and PET packaging materials under different aqueous conditions, finding that UV exposure caused significant physicochemical changes including increased crystallinity and surface cracking that contribute to microplastic formation.
Numerical Study of Microplastic Dispersal in Simulated Coastal Waters Using CFD Approach
Researchers used CFD numerical simulations to model microplastic dispersal in simulated coastal waters, investigating how particle type, size, shape, flow velocity, and temperature affect the transport and distribution patterns of PET, PU, and polypropylene microplastics.
Spatiotemporal variation in microplastic contamination along a subtropical reservoir shoreline
Researchers tracked microplastic contamination along the shoreline of a subtropical reservoir over two years and found that microplastic abundance was higher near urban areas and varied with season, with storm-related inputs creating significant temporal spikes.
Towards an Integrative, Eco-Evolutionary Understanding of Ecological Novelty: Studying and Communicating Interlinked Effects of Global Change
This conceptual paper proposed an umbrella framework of 'ecological novelty' to describe and study the full range of eco-evolutionary consequences of global change for organisms and ecosystems. The authors argue this framework enables researchers to integrate site-based and organism-centered perspectives and improve communication about novel environmental conditions.
Nowhere to go! Microplastic abundances in freshwater fishes living near wastewater plants
Researchers found that freshwater fish near South African wastewater treatment plants contained more microplastics downstream, with seasonal variation showing higher levels during the hot-wet season and larger fish accumulating more particles due to greater food demand.
Chlorophyll-a unveiled: unlocking reservoir insights through remote sensing in a subtropical reservoir
Researchers used satellite data from Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 combined with machine learning to estimate chlorophyll-a concentrations — a measure of algae levels — in a South African reservoir. This remote sensing approach enables water managers to monitor reservoir health continuously without costly field sampling, helping detect harmful algal blooms earlier.
The Status of Marine Mussel Pollution Research in South Africa (2012–2022)
Researchers reviewed a decade of marine mussel pollution studies in South Africa and found growing evidence of contamination from heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. While the South African coastline was previously assumed to be relatively pristine, recent studies reveal increasing anthropogenic pollution levels. The study emphasizes the need for expanded monitoring to protect both mussel aquaculture and the health of consumers who rely on these shellfish.
Microplastic abundance, distribution, and diversity in water and sediments along a subtropical river system
Researchers investigated microplastic abundance in water and sediments along a subtropical river system in South Africa, finding widespread contamination with fibers as the dominant shape and polyethylene as the most common polymer type.
The role of seagrass meadows in the accumulation of microplastics: Insights from a South African estuary
Researchers investigated whether seagrass meadows accumulate microplastics in a South African estuary, finding no significant difference in microplastic abundance between seagrass sediments and adjacent bare sediments at the small spatial scale studied.
Microplastic assessment approaches for African freshwater biota: a review
This review assessed the state of microplastic research on African freshwater organisms, evaluating the methodological approaches used across published studies and identifying regional gaps. The authors found that African freshwater biota are understudied relative to the continent's high plastic pollution burden, and identified inconsistent sampling and analytical methods as major barriers to cross-study comparisons.
Enhancement of per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) quantification on surface waters from marinas in the douro river, Portugal
This study developed an enhanced method for quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on surfaces using analytical chemistry techniques, improving detection sensitivity and enabling more accurate assessment of PFAS contamination on environmental substrates.
Unveiling Microplastic Pollution in the Air: Optimizing filter material and Work-up in PM10 studies
Researchers optimized filter material selection and sample preparation protocols for PM10 aerosol studies targeting airborne microplastics, finding that filter type significantly affects microplastic recovery and that careful blanking and contamination controls are essential.
Microplastic Concentrations in Sediments and Waters Do Not Decrease in Two Rivers Flowing Through the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Researchers quantified 36,984 microplastics in riverbed sediments and water across two rivers flowing through South Africa's Kruger National Park, examining whether microplastic concentrations decreased within this protected natural area. Concentrations did not decrease along the river gradient through the park, suggesting that protected area status alone is insufficient to prevent or reduce ongoing microplastic accumulation in freshwater systems.
Microplastic abundance in urban vs. peri-urban mangroves: The feasibility of using invertebrates as biomonitors of microplastic pollution in two mangrove dominated estuaries of southern Africa
This study compared microplastic pollution across urban and peri-urban mangrove forests in South Africa using FT-IR analysis, finding higher MP abundance in the urban Durban Bay mangroves and evaluating invertebrate species as potential bioindicators of MP contamination.
Impact of cigarette butts on bacterial community structure in soil
Researchers added cigarette butt leachate to soil and found that biodegradable butts significantly altered bacterial community composition compared to non-biodegradable ones, driven by higher concentrations of leached metals like aluminum, iron, and zinc — highlighting cigarette filters as a source of both microplastics and heavy metal soil contamination.
Corridors of Clarity: Four Principles to Overcome Uncertainty Paralysis in the Anthropocene
This conceptual paper proposed four principles for overcoming 'uncertainty paralysis' in environmental decision-making during the Anthropocene, arguing that scientists and policymakers can act effectively on global environmental change by clarifying the nature of uncertainty, separating knowable from unknowable risks, and using adaptive management frameworks.