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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic occurrence and densities in small subtropical reservoirs of Southern Africa
ClearSeasonal 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.
Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in sediments along a subtropical river system in southern Africa and examined how urbanization and wastewater treatment affect contamination levels. They found that microplastic densities were highest near urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The study suggests that urban development and inadequate wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of freshwater microplastic pollution in the region.
Profiling microplastics in a forgotten river system in Southern Africa
Researchers profiled microplastic distribution across the Nyl, Mogalakwena, and Limpopo Rivers in South Africa over multiple seasons. They found that seasons with reduced water flow had significantly higher microplastic concentrations in both water and sediment, while high-flow seasons produced a more evenly distributed but lower overall abundance. The study also detected microplastics in benthic macroinvertebrates throughout the river system, indicating the particles have become bioavailable in the food web.
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.
Impact of pollution sources of microplastics and associated microbial populations in surface water
Researchers examined how pollution sources—including wastewater treatment plants, agricultural areas, urban runoff, and industrial discharge—influence microplastic abundance and associated microbial communities in the uMsunduzi River in South Africa across two seasons.
Microplastic particles in river sediments and water of southwestern Nigeria: insights on the occurrence, seasonal distribution, composition, and source apportionment
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in river water and sediments across southwestern Nigeria, providing some of the first baseline data for the region. They found microplastics at every sampling site, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms, and concentrations varying by season and location. The study points to urban runoff, agricultural activities, and inadequate waste management as the primary sources of this pollution.
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.
Seasonal dynamics of micro- and nanoplastics and associated pollutants in Aarin River: Insights into abundance and digestion impact
Researchers measured micro- and nanoplastics in Nigeria's Aarin River across two seasons, finding higher particle counts during the rainy season (up to 130 particles per liter in water) alongside elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The data highlight how seasonal rainfall flushes plastics and co-contaminants into West African freshwater systems that communities rely on, yet which remain severely understudied.
An overview of the prevalence of micro- and nanoplastics in the Southern African development community: a potential risk to environmental and public health
This systematic review examined micro- and nanoplastic pollution across Southern Africa's freshwater systems. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands that communities depend on for drinking water and food production were found to be contaminated. Rapid urbanization and poor waste management are driving the problem, raising concerns about public health in the region.
Water or sediment? Assessing seasonal microplastic accumulation from wastewater treatment works
Researchers assessed seasonal microplastic accumulation in two subtropical South African rivers relative to wastewater treatment works, finding that seasonal differences were more pronounced in sediment than in water and that elevated pollution loads were present even upstream of treatment facilities.
Microplastic Pollution in Shoreline Sediments of the Vondo Reservoir Along the Mutshindudi River, South Africa
This study assessed microplastic contamination in the shoreline sediments of a reservoir in South Africa's Limpopo province, finding plastic particles in all samples collected across different seasons. Fiber shapes dominated the samples, pointing to textile-related sources, and concentrations varied with seasonal water flow patterns. The research provides baseline data for a region where microplastic monitoring is still limited, highlighting how inland freshwater reservoirs accumulate and trap microplastics transported by rivers.
Quantifying microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests: A comparative analysis of abundance, morphotype, polymer composition and toxicity.
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forest sediments across multiple sites, providing rare baseline data for African coastal ecosystems that are underrepresented in global microplastic research. Microplastics were detected at all sampled mangrove sites, with contamination levels varying in relation to proximity to urban development and river inputs.
Riverine Microplastics in South Africa: Unravelling Pollution Sources from Source to Sediment
Scientists found high levels of tiny plastic particles called microplastics in two South African rivers, with the worst pollution coming from industrial areas and farms. These microscopic plastic pieces can end up in drinking water and the food chain, potentially affecting human health. The study shows that different human activities create different types of plastic pollution, which means we need targeted solutions to clean up our water sources.
Quantification of microplastics in Coptodon rendalli and surface waters of Dikgatlhong Dam, Botswana: the first baseline evidence
Researchers collected surface water and fish tissue samples from six sites in Dikgatlhong Dam, Botswana, to establish baseline microplastic data for the region. Microplastics were found in all water samples (33–78 n/L) and in fish (9–19 items/individual), providing the first evidence of MP contamination in this southern African freshwater ecosystem.
The Occurrence and Fate of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants in South Africa and the Degradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments—A Critical Review
A review of microplastic research in South Africa reveals a critical data gap: despite the country generating around 120 million tons of waste annually, there is almost no published information on microplastic concentrations in its wastewater treatment plants or freshwater systems. The authors argue that urgent monitoring is needed to support effective policy, given that South Africa's infrastructure is under increasing pressure from urbanization and industrialization.
Do microplastic loads reflect the population demographics along the southern African coastline?
Researchers investigated whether microplastic contamination levels in the marine environment correlate with population demographics along the southern African coast, examining whether human density and activity patterns predict microplastic loads.
Microplastic pollution responses to spatial and seasonal variations and water level management in a polymictic tropical reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil)
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in water and sediment from the Guarapiranga Reservoir in Brazil, which supplies drinking water to over five million people. They found that microplastic concentrations were higher near urbanized areas and during the dry season, with water management operations like reservoir drawdowns influencing particle distribution. The study highlights the connection between urban land use, seasonal patterns, and microplastic contamination in critical drinking water sources.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments in Africa: status and research opportunities
This review examines the status of microplastic pollution research in African aquatic environments, noting that Africa's high rate of plastic waste mismanagement has resulted in widespread contamination of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Researchers found significant research gaps in the region despite its outsized contribution to global plastic pollution, and identified opportunities for expanded monitoring given microplastics' capacity to adsorb persistent organic pollutants.
Microplastic occurrence and fate in the South African environment: a review
This review summarizes microplastic contamination across South Africa's freshwater, marine, and air environments. Researchers found microplastics in drinking water samples from major cities, with marine sediment levels along the southeast coast reaching particularly high concentrations. The findings emphasize the need for better wastewater treatment, stronger laws on single-use plastics, and more research on how this contamination affects human health.
Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in South African beverages
Researchers measured microplastic occurrence and characterized particles found in multiple South African beverages including bottled water, soft drinks, and juice, finding plastic contamination across all categories. The study assessed associated human dietary exposure from beverage consumption.
Emergence of microplastics in African environmental drinking water sources: A review on sources, analysis and treatment strategies
This review examines microplastic contamination of drinking water sources across Africa, identifying entry pathways linked to uncontrolled plastic imports, poor waste management, and limited water treatment infrastructure. The authors highlight the need for more African-specific research on microplastic fate in water systems and call for improved treatment strategies appropriate for resource-limited settings.
Microplastic pollution in African countries’ water systems: a review on findings, applied methods, characteristics, impacts, and managements
This review synthesizes findings on microplastic pollution in water systems across African countries, highlighting methodological approaches, particle characteristics, sources, and impacts, while noting the limited but growing body of African microplastic research.
Drinking plastic: a study of microplastic concentrations in drinking water from rural and urban sources in Mali, Africa
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in drinking water from rural and urban sources in Mali, Africa, finding microplastics in all samples and identifying higher concentrations in urban supplies, with implications for human health in a region with limited water treatment infrastructure.
Microplastics in African freshwater sediments: A systematic review of characteristics, abundance and analytical methods
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in African freshwater sediments. The research found highly variable microplastic levels across different water systems, with fibers and fragments being the most common types. Freshwater contamination is a concern for human health because many African communities depend directly on rivers and lakes for drinking water and fish.