Comparison of microplastic pollution in different water bodies from urban creeks to coastal waters. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luo, Wenya; Su, Lei; Craig, Nicholas J.; Du, Fangni; Wu, Chengxi; Shi, Huahong
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 246(2019)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Freshwater -- Small water bodies -- River networks; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Although freshwater and estuary systems are recognized as origins and transport pathways of plastics to the oceans, there is a lack of comparison of microplastics in different water bodies or river networks. In the present study, the spatial distribution of microplastics was compared across different water bodies, including city creeks (Shanghai), rivers (Suzhou River and Huangpu River), an estuary (Yangtze Estuary) and coastal waters (East China Sea) in the Yangtze Delta area. Significant spatial differences of microplastic abundances were revealed across the sampling areas. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics was higher (1.8–2.4 items/L) in freshwater bodies than that in estuarine and coastal water (0.9 items/L). In the Suzhou River and the Huangpu River, microplastics showed trends of increasing abundance downstream, where the peak of microplastic pollution is closer to the city center and the estuary. In respect of abundance, microplastics are likely to be transported from pollution sources to sink areas via river networks. The proportion of fibers was the highest in city creeks (88%), followed by the Suzhou River (85%), the Huangpu River (81%), the Yangtze Estuary (66%) and the East China Sea (37%). Similarly, polyesters dominated in city creeks and rivers. The results suggest that both the abundance and properties of microplastic pollution varies across different water bodies. Microplastic pollution in small freshwater bodies is more serious than in estuarine and coastal waters. Therefore, we support prioritization of water monitoring for microplastics within entire river networks, instead of single water body surveys. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Abundance and properties of microplastics showed variations in different water bodies. Urban rivers contained highest level of microplastics. Microplastic pollution in small water bodies is more serious than in estuary and coastal waters. Microplastics are likely to be transported from pollution sources to sink via river networks. Abstract : The abundance and properties of microplastic pollution varies between different water bodies from urban creeks to coastal waters.