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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Ecosystem Effects and Magnitude of Microplastics Pollution in St. Andrew Bay, Florida
ClearSeasonal and spatial variations in microplastics abundances in St. Andrew Bay, Florida
Researchers found significant seasonal and spatial variations in microplastic abundances in coastal sediments of St. Andrew Bay, Florida, with wastewater treatment plant effluent identified as a major contributor to the approximately 25% of marine microplastics originating from such facilities.
Influence of wastewater treatment plants and water input sources on size, shape, and polymer distributions of microplastics in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, USA
Researchers found that wastewater treatment plant outflows in St. Andrew Bay, Florida significantly influence the size, shape, and polymer composition of microplastics, with smaller polypropylene fragments dominating near discharge points.
Microplastics in Tampa Bay, Florida: Abundance and variability in estuarine waters and sediments
This study provided the first systematic measurements of microplastic abundance and distribution in Tampa Bay, Florida, finding microplastics in both surface water and sediments throughout the estuary, with higher concentrations near urban areas. The data establish baseline contamination levels for one of Florida's largest estuaries and identify stormwater and wastewater as key sources.
Microplastics in Florida, United States: A Case Study of Quantification and Characterization With Intertidal Snails
Researchers quantified and characterized microplastic contamination in Florida coastal waters using intertidal snails as indicator organisms, documenting the extent of MP pollution along beaches that are subject to heavy tourism and hurricane disturbance.
Assessment of microplastics pollution in Biscayne Bay: Spatial distribution, tidal variability, and polymer hazard analysis
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in Biscayne Bay, Florida, examining spatial distribution, the influence of tidal cycles, and potential hazards based on polymer type. They found an average abundance of approximately 7 particles per cubic meter of surface water, predominantly low-density polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The study indicates that tidal dynamics influence microplastic distribution in the bay and that certain polymer types pose greater ecological risks than others.
Sources of microplastics pollution in the marine environment: Importance of wastewater treatment plant and coastal landfill
This study assessed a coastal municipal wastewater treatment plant and a nearby beach landfill as sources of microplastic pollution in the marine environment, finding both contributed significantly to coastal contamination. The study supports multi-source pollution control strategies for coastal areas where both wastewater infrastructure and solid waste disposal are inadequate.
Microplastics in mangrove and beach sediments on southeast Florida barrier islands
Researchers quantified and characterized microplastic abundance, distribution, and variation in estuarine mangrove and beach sediments across southeast Florida barrier islands. The study aimed to improve understanding of microplastic hazards in these coastal ecosystems to support conservation efforts for mangrove and beach environments.
Influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the composition, concentration and spatial distribution of microplastics: A case study of the Bay of Brest (Brittany, France)
Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations in surface water and sediment at nine locations across the Bay of Brest, France, and found that pollution levels were highest near population centers and wastewater outfalls. The study identified both polymer types and size distributions, helping to trace the sources of microplastic contamination in this coastal bay.
The microscopic threat with a macroscopic impact: Microplastics along the southeast Florida reef tract
Researchers sampled surface and bottom waters along the Southeast Florida Reef Tract over six months, finding 1,204 microplastic items across seven polymer types, with significantly more plastic at the surface than the seafloor. Five additional chemical contaminants were detected on the plastics, confirming that microplastics act as vectors for hazardous substances near fragile coral reef ecosystems. The study calls for both improved plastic waste management and active clean-up to protect these reefs.
Superimposed microplastic pollution in a coastal metropolis
A comprehensive characterization of microplastic pollution sources, distribution, and accumulation in a coastal metropolis found multiple overlapping pathways contributing to marine contamination, from urban runoff to wastewater discharge. The study emphasizes that urban coastal cities are both major sources and sinks of microplastic pollution.
Influence of wastewater treatment plant discharges on microplastic concentrations in surface water
This study measured microplastic concentrations upstream and downstream of wastewater treatment plant discharges in a freshwater river and found elevated concentrations below discharge points. The findings confirm that wastewater treatment plants, even when functioning properly, act as point sources of microplastic pollution to freshwater systems.
Wastewater treatment plants as a source of microplastics to an urban estuary: Removal efficiencies and loading per capita over one year
Three South Carolina wastewater treatment plants were monitored for microplastic loads and removal efficiencies monthly over a year, finding removal of 59–98% with concentrations in effluent varying 4.8-fold between samples and no seasonal trend. The study demonstrates that even large, well-operated WWTPs release substantial quantities of microplastics year-round to receiving estuaries.
Evaluating wastewater effluent as a source of microplastics in environmental samples
This book chapter evaluates wastewater effluent as a source of microplastics in environmental samples, reviewing evidence of microplastic presence in freshwater systems, wastewater treatment plants, and associated biota. Researchers found that wastewater treatment plants are a significant conduit for microplastics into freshwater and marine environments despite their partial removal capacity.
Plastics and microplastics, effects on marine coastal areas: a review
This review examines how plastics and microplastics impact coastal marine ecosystems, covering their entry pathways, degradation under environmental conditions, and ecological effects on marine organisms.
The distribution and ecological effects of microplastics in an estuarine ecosystem
Researchers surveyed 22 intertidal sites and found that microplastic abundance, size, and diversity correlated with benthic microalgal communities and sediment biostabilization properties in an estuarine ecosystem.
Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review on occurrence, environmental effects, and methods for microplastics detection
This review summarizes the current understanding of microplastic contamination in freshwater systems, from sources like wastewater treatment plants to their effects on aquatic life. Researchers note that microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and have been shown to cause intestinal damage and metabolic changes in fish. The paper highlights that freshwater microplastic pollution is a significant and growing concern that warrants more research attention.
Contribution of Stormwater Outfalls to Microplastic Pollution in a Subtropical Estuary Using Data Collected with the Assistance of Citizen Scientists
Researchers used citizen scientists to collect monthly water samples from 24 stormwater outfalls and 6 control sites in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida for 12 months to assess microplastic contributions from stormwater discharge into a subtropical estuary. A total of 958 microplastics were identified from 1,800 L of water, with outfall sites (mean 0.53 MP/L) discharging significantly smaller and more numerous microplastics than control sites, with highest concentrations in fall hurricane season.
Point-source microplastic input to the river and coastal zone via wastewater treatment facilities: a case study from a tropical mega-city
Point-source inputs of microplastics from a specific industrial or municipal source were quantified in both a river and the adjacent coastal zone. The study links land-based pollution sources to downstream and coastal microplastic concentrations, supporting targeted source-control interventions.
Microplastics and it’s Impact on Aquatic Environment
This review covers the sources, abundance, and ecological impacts of microplastics in aquatic environments, explaining how particles enter food chains and affect organisms at multiple trophic levels. The paper highlights wastewater treatment plants as both a major source and a partial barrier for microplastics entering waterways.
Assessing meso-, micro-, and nanoplastic pollution in Los Angeles County estuaries
Researchers assessed meso-, micro-, and nanoplastic pollution levels in Los Angeles County estuaries, quantifying plastic loads by size class and polymer type and identifying urban stormwater as the dominant input pathway.
Toward a Better Understanding of the Contribution of Wastewater Treatment Plants to Microplastic Pollution in Receiving Waterways
This review examines how wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contribute to microplastic pollution in receiving waterways, synthesizing evidence on removal efficiencies of different treatment stages and the characteristics of microplastics that escape into the environment. Researchers found that while WWTPs remove the majority of incoming microplastics, they remain a significant source of microplastic discharge due to the large volumes of wastewater processed daily.
Freshwater Pollution by Microplastics: Sources, Consequences and Mitigation Strategies (literature Review)
This review covers freshwater microplastic pollution, examining sources including agricultural runoff, wastewater effluent, and atmospheric deposition, along with ecological consequences and available mitigation strategies. The authors emphasize that effective freshwater microplastic management requires integrated approaches spanning wastewater treatment improvement, source reduction, and improved plastic waste management.
Assessing the Impact of Microplastic Pollution on Coastal Ecosystems: a Multidimensional Environmental Approach
This review presents a comprehensive multidimensional analysis of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, covering sources, distribution pathways, ecological effects on marine organisms, and implications for environmental management. The authors draw on recent interdisciplinary research to assess how microplastics infiltrate nearly every ecological compartment from coastal waters to ocean sediments and interact with biological and chemical systems.
Microplastic Pollution in Surface Waters of Urban Watersheds in Central Texas, United States: A Comparison of Sites With and Without Treated Wastewater Effluent
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in urban watersheds in central Texas, comparing sites with and without treated wastewater effluent to understand how wastewater discharge contributes to microplastic contamination in surface waters.