Zhao Xiaoli, Qiang Minmin, Yuan Yuan, Zhang Man, Wu Wenjing, Zhang Jiaocheng, Gao Zesen, Gu Xinmei, Ma Sitian, Liu Zihan, Cai Lu, Han Jianqiao
Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
Power China Northwest Survey Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Sci Total Environ. 2023 Dec 20;905:167431. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167431. Epub 2023 Sep 27.
Microplastic pollution in rivers had gained increased attention worldwide. However, the differences in microplastic characteristics among major tributaries of large rivers and the environmental factors influencing these characteristics remain uncertain. Through field investigation and indoor experiments, the distribution of microplastics and their driving factors were investigated at 96 sampling sites along the three main tributaries (Huangfuchuan, Wuding and Yan River) of the Yellow River in the Loess Plateau. The results revealed that the average microplastic abundance followed this order: Yan River (430.30 items kg) > Wuding River (145.09 items kg) > Huangfuchuan River (253.33 items kg). The abundance was lower than that in most parts of the world. There was a generally increasing trend in average microplastic abundance from upstream to downstream in the three rivers. The most frequently observed microplastic colors observed were black and white, and the most common polymer type were PE and PS in all three rivers. The dominant shape and size in the three rivers were fiber and particles measuring 0.5-5.0 mm, all accounting for more than half of the total microplastic content. The microplastic abundance, shape, and size were primarily influenced by mean annual precipitation and population density. This relationship can be attributed to the fact that increased population density driven by higher demand and consumption of plastic products, while augmented rainfall aggravated the occurrence of floods and provided conditions for plastic degradation and accumulation. This study will provide fundamental data for pollution assessing and ecological protection of the Yellow River, and provide a certain reference for future management and protection on the Loess Plateau.
河流中的微塑料污染已在全球范围内受到越来越多的关注。然而，大型河流主要支流之间微塑料特征的差异以及影响这些特征的环境因素仍不明确。通过实地调查和室内实验，对黄土高原黄河三大主要支流（皇甫川、无定河和延河）沿线96个采样点的微塑料分布及其驱动因素进行了研究。结果表明，微塑料的平均丰度顺序为：延河（430.30个/千克）＞无定河（145.09个/千克）＞皇甫川（253.33个/千克）。其丰度低于世界上大多数地区。三条河流中微塑料的平均丰度总体上呈现出从上游到下游增加的趋势。观察到的最常见微塑料颜色为黑色和白色，在所有三条河流中最常见的聚合物类型为PE和PS。三条河流中占主导地位的形状和尺寸分别是纤维以及尺寸为0.5 - 5.0毫米的颗粒，它们均占微塑料总含量的一半以上。微塑料的丰度、形状和尺寸主要受年平均降水量和人口密度的影响。这种关系可以归因于塑料制品需求和消费增加导致人口密度上升，而降雨增加加剧了洪水的发生，并为塑料的降解和积累提供了条件。本研究将为黄河污染评估和生态保护提供基础数据，并为黄土高原未来的管理和保护提供一定参考。
