Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system.

ABSTRACT: Global freshwaters are increasingly threatened by pollutants emanating from human activities around watersheds. Microplastic pollution is an increasing problem for rivers worldwide, potentially threatening ecological integrity, ecosystem services and human health. We present quantifications and characterisations of sediment microplastic pollution in a subtropical river system in southern Africa, and relate distributions to wastewater treatment works, abiotic variables and urban environments. We additionally apply several diversity indices to decipher how microplastic types differ across the river system seasonally. Over two thousand microplastic particles were found across five sites and three seasons in the river system, comprising microbeads of various colours and microfibres. Microplast

SUBMITTER: Dalu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8277625 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature