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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Comparative Assessment of Microplastics in Surface Waters and Sediments of the Vaal River, South Africa: Abundance, Composition, and Sources
ClearMorphological and Chemical Characteristics of Microplastics in Surface Water of the Vaal River, South Africa
Researchers surveyed 60 kilometers of South Africa's Vaal River and found microplastics in every surface water sample, with fragments and fibers making up 81% of particles and common packaging plastics (HDPE, PP, LDPE) as the main polymers. This is one of the first detailed microplastic assessments of a major South African freshwater system, establishing a baseline for future pollution monitoring.
Microplastic Abundance and Sources in Surface Water Samples of the Vaal River, South Africa
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the surface waters of the Vaal River in South Africa, finding microplastics present at every sampling site. The particles were predominantly fragments and fibers smaller than one millimeter, identified as polyethylene and polypropylene from secondary sources such as single-use plastics and textiles. The findings highlight growing concerns about microplastic pollution in South African freshwater systems and its potential effects on aquatic life.
Microplastics in freshwater environment: the first evaluation in sediment of the Vaal River, South Africa
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in the Vaal River, South Africa, finding microplastics in 100% of sediment samples at an average of 463 particles per kilogram, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymer types.
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.
Characteristics of microplastics in sediment of the Vaal River, South Africa: implications on bioavailability and toxicity
Researchers analyzed sediment samples from South Africa's Vaal River and found microplastics at all sampling sites, with small fragments under 0.5 millimeters being the most common. The chemical analysis revealed that many of the particles contained potentially toxic additives and showed signs of environmental weathering. The findings raise concerns about the bioavailability of these contaminated particles to river organisms and downstream communities that rely on the water.
Assessing microplastic characteristics and abundance in the sediment and surface water of the Diep River, Western Cape, South Africa
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the Diep River in South Africa's Western Cape, analyzing both water and sediment samples from five locations. Fibers were the most dominant microplastic shape at all sites, with polyethylene and polystyrene being the most common polymer types. The study found that tourist and recreational areas had higher microplastic contamination than non-tourist areas.
Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastics in water and sediment samples of the Plankenburg river, Western Cape, South Africa
Researchers monitored microplastic pollution in water and sediment of the Plankenburg River in South Africa across four seasons. The study found that spring had the highest microplastic concentrations in both water and sediment, with fibers being the most common particle type, and polyethylene and polypropylene identified as the dominant polymer types.
Limited long-distance transport of plastic pollution by the Orange-Vaal River system, South Africa
Researchers sampled water from 33 bridges along South Africa's Orange-Vaal River system at wet and dry seasons and found microfibres at every site (>99% of items), but found that larger plastic fragments were largely confined to urban upstream reaches, suggesting the river transports fibres widely but limits long-distance transport of larger debris.
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.
First biomonitoring of microplastic pollution in the Vaal river using Carp fish (Cyprinus carpio) “as a bio-indicator”
Researchers assessed microplastic ingestion by common carp in the Vaal River, South Africa, detecting 682 particles across 26 fish at an average of 26 particles per fish. Fibers dominated (69%) and were mostly colored, with five polymer types identified by Raman spectroscopy, providing the first record of microplastic uptake by freshwater biota in the Vaal River.
Spatiotemporal distributions of microplastics in Buffalo River, South Africa: abundance, characteristics and adsorption of heavy metals
Researchers investigated microplastic distribution and heavy metal adsorption in the Buffalo River of South Africa across both dry and wet seasons. They found that rainfall patterns significantly influenced microplastic abundance in sediments, with fibers and fragments of polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common types. Heavy metals including iron, nickel, and copper were found adsorbed onto the microplastic surfaces, with concentrations varying by particle size.
Identification and quantification of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques in Johannesburg East, South Africa
Researchers at two Johannesburg wastewater treatment works found extremely high concentrations of microplastics — over 3,000 particles per liter of influent — with the treatment processes removing most but not all particles before discharge. The study fills a data gap for South Africa and confirms that wastewater plants in the region are both a sink and a residual source of microplastic pollution into receiving water bodies.
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.
Investigation of microplastic contamination in the sediments of Noyyal River- Southern India
Researchers documented microplastic contamination across 15 sites in the urban Noyyal River in southern India, finding concentrations up to 6,500 particles per cubic meter in dried sediments, with fragments and fibers in a variety of colors the most common forms.
Occurrence, distribution and provenance of micro plastics: A large scale quantitative analysis of beach sediments from southeastern coast of South Africa
Microplastics were found in high abundance across nine tourist beaches in South Africa, with polypropylene and rayon dominating, and concentrations highest in Durban city beaches influenced by coastal currents and urban plastic inputs. Surface analysis revealed weathering features consistent with long-term environmental exposure.
Assessment, characterization, and quantification of microplastics from river sediments
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediments from 14 sites along the Kaveri River in South India, characterizing particle types, sizes, and polymer compositions to quantify the extent of microplastic pollution in this freshwater system.
The microplastic profile of an urban African stream
Microplastics were detected in water, sediment, and chironomid larvae in the Braamfontein Spruit urban stream in Johannesburg, South Africa, with weirs and areas of reduced flow increasing local accumulation in sediment and invertebrates. The study demonstrates that urban stream features can concentrate microplastics and increase exposure for benthic organisms.
Quantifying environmental emissions of microplastics from urban rivers in Melbourne, Australia
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in four Melbourne rivers flowing into Port Phillip Bay, finding an average of 9 microplastics per liter with polyamide and polypropylene among the most common polymers detected across all sampling sites.
A systems approach to understand microplastic occurrence and variability in Dutch riverine surface waters
Microplastic concentrations in two Dutch rivers ranged from 67 to 11,532 particles per cubic meter, varying by two orders of magnitude across space and one order over time, with polyethylene and polypropylene the most common polymers among 26 types identified. Rigorous quality assurance procedures including partial filter analysis guidelines are proposed to improve measurement reliability.
Characteristics, Contamination Levels, and Ecosystem Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Surface Water of a Highly Urbanized River from a Developing Country
Researchers characterized microplastic contamination in an urban river near a megacity in a developing country, finding concentrations of 350 to 660 particles per cubic meter of water. Polyethylene and polypropylene from household and municipal waste were the most common types, and a risk assessment found concerning contamination levels at several sampling sites. The study highlights how rivers in developing nations can serve as major pathways for microplastics to reach the ocean and enter the food chain.
Microplastics in Namibian river sediments – a first evaluation
Researchers conducted the first microplastic survey of river sediments across Namibia's major catchments, detecting microplastics in every sampled river system and finding the highest concentrations in the densely populated Iishana region of northern Namibia.
Microplastics in aquatic environment: characterization, ecotoxicological effect, implications for ecosystems and developments in South Africa
This review examined microplastic sources, transport, chemical interactions, characterization methods, and ecotoxicological effects in aquatic environments, with a focus on the South African context. The authors assessed microplastic fate in wastewater treatment plants and summarized the current state and trends of microplastic research in South African freshwater and marine ecosystems.
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.
Prevalence of Microplastic Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystem: A Case Study of Thal Canal
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in a freshwater ecosystem in a case study region, measuring particle concentrations and types in water and sediment samples across multiple sites. Microplastics were detected at all sampling locations with higher concentrations near urban areas, and fibres and fragments were the dominant particle morphologies found.