Coupled effects of urbanization level and dam on microplastics in surface waters in a coastal watershed of Southeast China. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Yaling; Tian, Miao; Jin, Fei; Chen, Mengyun; Liu, Zhigang; He, Shuiqing; Li, Feixiang; Yang, Liyang; Fang, Chao; Mu, Jingli
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 154(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Spatial variation -- Microplastics -- Urbanization level -- Dam; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Investigating the heterogeneous distribution pattern of plastic pollution in river systems is useful for better understanding the transport pathways of plastics from land to sea. Therefore, we analyzed samples from 17 sites to evaluate the distribution pattern of microplastics (MPs) in Minjiang River Watershed. The MP concentrations ranged between 0.12 and 2.72 n/L, with higher microplastic concentrations located in urban areas with greater population and gross domestic product (GDP) densities. MP concentrations were positively correlated with population density, GDP density, and built-up land use percentage, suggesting that increasing urbanization level will lead to greater plastic pollution. MP concentrations spanning the upstream and downstream sides of the SK Hydropower Dam showed decreasing trends, suggesting that MP settling would occur behind the dam and Shuikou Reservoir might serve as a sink for MPs. This study provides useful insight for revealing the effects of urbanization and dams on spatial distribution of riverine MPs. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Spatial variation in MPs was greatly influenced by urbanization level and dam. Shuikou Reservoir might be a sink for MPs. Population density was significantly correlated with MP concentrations. PET fiber might be a sign of developed area.