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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Analysis of microplastics distributed in the environment: Case studies in South Korea
ClearAbundance, composition, and distribution of microplastics larger than 20 μm in sand beaches of South Korea
A national survey of 20 sandy beaches along the South Korean coast found microplastics at all locations, with fragments as the dominant type and concentrations varying by beach exposure and proximity to population centers. The study establishes a national baseline for beach microplastic contamination to support monitoring and management policy in South Korea.
Urban soil microplastic characterization across diverse land use types along the Anyangcheon stream in Seoul, Korea
Researchers characterized microplastic contamination in urban soils along the Anyangcheon stream in Seoul, South Korea, across three different land-use types. They found microplastics at all sampling locations, with variations in abundance and polymer composition between high schools, park playgrounds, and residential areas. The study provides new data on the spatial distribution of soil microplastics in densely populated urban settings and their potential relationship to nearby waterways.
A Study on the Distribution of Microplastics in the South Coast of Korea and Gwangyang Bay
This study characterized the distribution and abundance of microplastics in surface water along the south coast of South Korea, finding widespread contamination with fibers and fragments across multiple sampling sites. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene as the dominant types.
Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
Researchers conducted an intensive survey of microplastic levels and distribution in marine sediments from coastal areas, recognizing the seafloor as the ultimate repository for plastic particles. Microplastic concentrations in sediments were highest near urban and industrial coastlines, with fibers and fragments as the most common types.
Current Status of Plastic Recycling in Korea
This review examines the current state of plastic recycling in South Korea, identifying barriers including small recycling company sizes, low recycling yields, and poor public perception. Improving recycling infrastructure is important for keeping plastics out of the environment where they fragment into microplastics.
Methods for sampling, processing, identification,and quantification of microplastics in the marine environment
This paper reviews and compares the various methods used to collect, process, identify, and quantify microplastics across different environmental samples. It highlights the lack of standardized protocols as a major obstacle to comparing results across studies and calls for methodological harmonization.
Microplastics as an emerging hazard to terrestrial and marine ecosystems: Sources, Occurrence and Analytical Methods
This review summarized the sources, occurrence, and detection methods for microplastics across multiple environmental compartments, noting that methodological limitations make comparison across studies difficult. The review calls for standardized analytical approaches to better quantify global microplastic contamination.
Microplastic Distribution and Transport Mechanisms in the South Sea and East China Sea of Korea
Researchers collected surface seawater and sediment samples from the South Sea and East China Sea of Korea to map microplastic distribution and identify transport mechanisms. Fragment-shaped microplastics in the 0.02-0.3 mm size range dominated, with concentrations highest in the Yellow Sea area and distribution patterns explained by regional current systems and local land-based inputs.
An Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Several Streams of Gyeonggi-do
This study assessed microplastic pollution in several streams in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, finding microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments and contributing data to a literature dominated by marine studies.
Investigation on Microplastics in Soil near Landfills in the Republic of Korea
Researchers found microplastics in soil samples taken near two South Korean landfills, averaging 73–98 particles per kilogram, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the dominant types and fragments being the most common shape. The high proportion of secondary (weathered) microplastics indicates that fragmentation of larger plastic waste is actively occurring at these sites. These findings confirm that landfills are a significant local source of microplastic soil contamination and warrant inclusion in national monitoring programs.
A Review of Analytical Methods Used in Microplastics Quantification
This review evaluates the various analytical methods used to detect and quantify microplastics in the environment, highlighting inconsistencies in sampling and analysis across studies. Standardizing methods is a critical priority for the field, as inconsistent approaches make it difficult to compare results and track pollution trends over time.
Challenge for the detection of microplastics in the environment
This review examines the major challenges in detecting and quantifying microplastics across different environmental matrices, including sampling inconsistencies, contamination risks, and limitations of current analytical methods. Addressing these methodological challenges is essential for producing reliable data on microplastic pollution levels worldwide.
Baseline Study on Microplastic Distribution in the Open Surface Waters of the Korean Southwest Sea
Researchers collected surface seawater south of Jeju Island in South Korea and found an average microplastic abundance of 0.46 particles per liter, with polyethylene as the dominant polymer and fragments as the most common shape, establishing a baseline for this understudied ocean region.
Distribution, compositional characteristics, and historical pollution records of microplastics in tidal flats of South Korea
Researchers investigated spatial and vertical distributions of microplastics in tidal flat sediments along the west coast of South Korea, finding distinct patterns in abundance and polymer composition linked to proximity to urban centers and tidal hydrodynamics.
Ecological risk assessment of microplastics in coastal, shelf, and deep sea waters with a consideration of environmentally relevant size and shape
Researchers assessed the ecological risk of microplastics in coastal, shelf, and deep-sea waters off South Korea, focusing on environmentally relevant non-spherical particles in the 20-300 micrometer size range. They found that risk levels varied significantly across locations, with some coastal areas showing moderate to high ecological risk. The study emphasizes that risk assessments should account for the actual shapes and sizes of microplastics found in the environment rather than relying on idealized laboratory particles.
Microplastics in different environmental compartments in India: Analytical methods, distribution, associated contaminants and research needs
This study reviewed scientific literature on microplastic pollution in various environmental matrices in India, summarizing methods for sampling, extraction, identification, and quantification used across Indian research. It highlighted research gaps and proposed future priorities for understanding the extent and effects of microplastic contamination in Indian environments.
Distribution of microplastics in soil by types of land use in metropolitan area of Seoul
Researchers collected soil samples from five types of land in Seoul — farms, roadsides, residential areas, parks, and forests — and found microplastics in all of them, with agricultural land and roadsides showing the highest concentrations. Common plastic types included polyethylene and polypropylene, highlighting how everyday land use spreads microplastic contamination even far from obvious pollution sources.
Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
Researchers conducted an intensive survey of microplastic distribution and characterization in marine sediments from coastal areas, confirming the seafloor as a long-term sink for plastic pollution. Contamination was highest near urban coastlines, with fibers and fragments accumulating preferentially in low-energy depositional environments.
Spatial distribution of microplastic in the surface waters along the coast of Korea
Scientists surveyed microplastics (0.33–5 mm) across six semi-enclosed bays and two open coastal waters in Korea during July surveys from 2015 to 2017, finding mean abundances of 1.12–4.74 particles per m2 with expanded polystyrene and paint particles as dominant types.
Microplastics in soil and groundwater of Korea: Occurrence, characteristics and risk assessment
This review synthesizes recent Korean research on microplastic contamination in soil and groundwater, finding that PP, PE, PET, and PVC are the most common polymers, fragments dominate in shape (indicating secondary breakdown of plastic products), and agricultural practices are major local sources including plastic mulch films and greenhouse covers. Groundwater microplastic levels vary seasonally with monsoon rainfall, while soil levels remain relatively stable year-round. The review concludes that Korea needs a nationwide investigation and tighter regulations on agricultural plastic use to address what is already a low-to-moderate ecological risk in studied regions.
A Study on Distribution of Characteristics of Microplastic in the Han-River Watershed
Scientists mapped the distribution and characteristics of microplastics throughout the Han River watershed in South Korea, including tributaries and sections that serve as drinking water sources, and found widespread contamination varying by location and flow conditions. The findings underscore the need for better monitoring and management of microplastics in freshwater systems that supply drinking water to millions of people.
Current Status and Issues of Microplastic Pollution Research
This Japanese review summarized microplastic research in river and ocean environments, including national estimates of plastic discharged from Japan's rivers to the sea and microplastic distribution in Tokyo Bay. The paper also reviewed current analytical methods and their limitations for measuring small microplastic particles.
Analysis of microplastics in various foods and assessment of aggregate human exposure via food consumption in korea
Researchers measured microplastics in eight types of Korean food products including salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, seaweed, honey, beer, and beverages. They estimated that average Korean adults consume about 1,400 microplastic particles per week from food, which is far lower than some earlier estimates of exposure. The study highlights the importance of careful measurement methods, as previous estimates may have been inflated by relying on extreme data points.
Comprehensive Analysis of Microplastic Dynamics in Gyeongan Stream
Researchers monitored microplastic concentrations at four locations along Gyeongan Stream in South Korea over two months, finding that polypropylene and polyethylene dominated in the stream while polyester and PTFE were more prevalent in wastewater treatment plant effluents, with smaller particles becoming more abundant downstream and higher concentrations accumulating at slow-flowing curve sites.