Microplastics (MP) have been reported in many rivers across the globe but their depositional and archiving mechanisms in sediments are not fully understood yet. The aim of this study was to identify potential controlling factors of MP spatial distribution in surface sediment after a characterisation (sediment composition, hydrological conditions, sedimentary environment) of 14 sampling sites in an 8 km segment of the Loire river. Samples were collected from 3 sedimentary environments (sandbars, riverbanks and semi-active channels) with diverse flooding frequencies, grain size distributions and total organic carbon (TOC) contents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicroplastics (MPs, plastic items from 1 µm to 5 mm in size) are present in all environmental compartments. The evaluation of their concentration, fate, and spatial distribution is still a challenge for the scientific community. This concern is just debuting in developing countries, (i.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring wet weather events, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) transfer large amount of particulate matter and associated pollutants into surrounding water bodies, thereby deteriorating the recipients' ecological health. Resuspension of sewer sediments during these events contributes significantly to pollution level of these discharges. However, how much this in-sewer process contributes to CSOs' quality regarding microplastic (MP) pollution is little known.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe contamination of microplastics (MP) in freshwater environments represent a major way for the MP transport in the environment. The assessment of MP pollution in freshwater compartments is then important to visualize the pressure and the impacts on medium, and to set up necessary measures. In this context, this study focused on the influence of anthropogenic activities of a medium French city (Angers) on MP levels in samples collected from the Loire River, the longest river in France.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicroplastics (MPs) are small (< 5 mm) plastic particles that are widely found in marine, freshwater, terrestrial and atmospheric environments. Due to their prevalence and persistence, MPs are considered an emerging contaminant of environmental concern. The separation and quantitation of MPs from freshwater sediments is a challenging and critical issue.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems, including microplastics (MPs) smaller than 5 mm, has become an emerging global concern. Asia is considered a "hot spot" for plastic pollution due to rapid economic and demographic growth, together with rapid urbanization. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on MP abundance, sources, fate, and transfer in Asian freshwater ecosystems based on publications from January 2014 to May 2021.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF