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Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies
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Microplastics and trace metals in river sediment: Prevalence and correlation with multiple factors
Thi Lan Huong Nguyen1, Thi Lim Duong1, Thi Huong Thuy Nguyen1
1Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 29, 2023
Summary
Microplastic pollution is high in Ma River sediment, Vietnam, with concerning levels of arsenic and cadmium. Metals correlate with nutrients and fine sediment, but not significantly with microplastics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants, yet their interactions with other contaminants remain incompletely understood.
- Trace metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses significant risks to environmental and human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of microplastics and trace metals in the Ma River, Vietnam.
- To analyze the relationships between microplastics, trace metals, and environmental parameters like nutrients and grain size.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of microplastics in sediment (MPs/S) and surface water (MPs/W).
- Analysis of trace metal concentrations (e.g., arsenic, cadmium).
- Assessment of nutrient levels (total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) and grain size distribution.
- Statistical analyses including principal component analysis and Pearson correlation.
Main Results:
- High abundance of microplastics found in sediment (1328.3 ± 1925.5 items/kg dry weight) and low levels in surface water (57.3 ± 55.8 items/m³).
- Arsenic and cadmium concentrations exceeded baseline levels, suggesting anthropogenic sources.
- Significant correlations observed between trace metals, nutrients, and fine grain sizes (clay, silt).
- Weak associations found between microplastics and trace metals, and between microplastic concentrations in sediment and water.
Conclusions:
- The distribution of microplastics and trace metals is influenced by multiple environmental factors, including nutrient content and sediment grain size.
- While some metals may have natural origins, anthropogenic activities contribute significantly to contamination.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interactions between microplastics and trace metals for effective environmental management.
