Microplastics in freshwater environment: the first evaluation in sediment of the Vaal River, South Africa

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11118
• Publication Date: 2022-10-20T17:43:23Z
• Authors: Dalia Saad; Michelle Ndlovu; Gibbon Ramaremisa; Hlanganani Tutu
• Keywords: Polypropylene

Microplastic pollution has become an environmental concern worldwide. In this study, the occurrence, abundance, and composition of microplastics (MPs) in sediment Vaal River, South Africa were assessed. Twenty-five samples collected from River using a Van Veen grab sampler, underwent digestion, density separation, filtration prior to physical chemical analysis. Following extraction, potential MPs visually identified under Nikon stereomicroscope, aided by characterization Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed 100% prevalence samples, with average abundance 463.28 ± 284.08 particles/kg_dw. Small-sized 2 mm less most abundant, representing more than 82% total particles. Fragments coloured dominant compared other shapes transparent particles, accounting for 63% 60%, respectively. Microplastics as polyethylene (PE) (both high low density), polypropylene (PP), co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), polyester (PES), polyurethane foam (PU), polyethylene/hexene-1-copolymer (PEH). These findings reveal elevated levels MP contamination within secondary sources. Potential sources include wastewater effluent, anthropogenic activities, surface run-off urban centres, inflow tributaries, recreational activities.