Microplastic contamination in the Avon/Ōtākaro River, Christchurch, New Zealand
Abstract
Microplastics ( PP (33) > PS (29) for the lower reach of the river. Polyester (15) and nylon (14) were present primarily in higher population locations in the middle and upper reaches of the Avon/Ōtākaro River. Fragments (47%) were the most abundant morphotype. Microplastic size on average was between 100 – 300 µm (43%). Red (27%) and blue (26%) were the most commonly identified colours. Microplastic accumulation zones were influenced by flow rate, land elevation and tributary infiltration. In stormwater drain sediment samples, microplastics were present at a lower mean abundance (3.3 particles per 100 g-1 of sediment). From the fifteen samples, 45 microplastics were identified from stormwater drain sediments and thirteen polymers were isolated. The frequency of detection for polymers was nylon (8) > rubber (6) > PP (6) in all reaches of the Avon/Ōtākaro River. Fragments (66%) and microplastics between 500 – 1000 µm (34%) were most abundant. White (20%) was the most commonly identified colour. A range of external coatings were identified on microplastics including polymers used in transportation (ABS, rubber, PC), additives, building materials, and recreational activities. There was a relationship between land use and the type of microplastic isolated from stormwater drain sediments. Overall, there was no relationship between river and stormwater drain sediment microplastics. These results indicate land-based sources such as land overflows and road runoff as well as…
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