In this study, atmospheric MP samples were collected and analysed from six sampling sites in the Wuliangsuhai Lake area from March to June 2021 to determine the atmospheric depositional fluxes of MPs to the lake surface. The average atmospheric depositional flux of MPs to the Wuliangsuhai Lake area (3371 ± 1423 n/d·m2) was found to be several times higher than the rates measured in other areas. MPs were predominately composed of small (0.05–0.5 mm) transparent fibers. The results of the study revealed that MPs were composed of either polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polystyrene (PS). The former polymer types indicated fibres from textile plants in adjacent cities, whereas the latter (PS) type is presumably derived from degraded food containers and other items associated with tourism. The presence of PE was also identified in association with thin films, which were likely to be derived from bags or agricultural plastics. The results derived from this study provide a theoretical basis for assessing atmospheric MP deposition within inland lake areas as well as for the prevention and control of MP pollution.
The current study examines the contamination of microplastics in three greenhouse types: abandoned, normal, and simple. The findings revealed that the abundance of microplastics was found to be the highest in the abandoned greenhouse, followed by the normal greenhouse and simple greenhouse. The mean abundance of microplastic organic fertilizer and irrigation water was also high.[…]
The study examines the distribution of residual film after eight years of film mulching in mid-April 2018. Results from the study revealed that eight years of mulching significantly increased the quantity of agricultural mulch film residues in the soil. The size of residual film fragments was found to vary from 0.25 cm2 to 109 cm2,[…]
A study in Yuanmou County, Yunnan Province, investigated microplastic pollution in different land uses, including facility farmland, traditional farmland, orchard, grassland, and woodland. Results showed a significant difference in microplastic abundance and characteristics between different land use types. Facility farmlands, traditional farmlands, and orchard lands had higher microplastic abundance than grasslands and woodlands. The main[…]
The study analysed 225 soil samples from maize planting zones in northern China, revealing that long-term plastic film mulching increases microplastic pollution in agricultural soils. The abundance of microplastics was significantly higher in mulched soils (754 ± 477 items kg-1) than in non-mulched soils (376 ± 149 items kg-1). The length of time with film[…]
The study examined the relative abundances and morphological distributions of microplastics (MPs) in water, sediments, and farmland soils in the Caohai Lake region. The estuary in the study area was considered a potential sink for MP transportation. Transparent and black MPs accounted for a large proportion of MPs in the five environments, with possible sources[…]