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Spatiotemporal variation in microplastic contamination along a subtropical reservoir shoreline

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Abstract

Microplastics have become a major environmental concern globally due to their potential impact on ecosystem function. They are known to be ubiquitously present, persistent and bio-accumulative, yet there is a lack of abundance quantifications in freshwater shorelines. Furthermore, there is little understanding of combined effects of seasonality and human population density on the extent of microplastic pollution. In this study, we assessed microplastics in sediment along a subtropical reservoir shoreline across three seasons and seven sites to understand microplastic pollution dynamics along a human population gradient. Multivariable analysis was used to assess relationships among substrate embeddedness, sediment organic matter, human population density and microplastic particle densities and characteristics. Microplastic densities were relatively high during the hot–dry season (mean range 120–6417 particles kg−1 dwt) whilst the hot–wet season had the lowest densities (mean range 5–94 particles kg−1 dwt). Microplastic abundances were positively correlated with population density, demonstrating the direct effects of human activity on microplastic contamination. These results highlight the need to further explore microplastic distribution patterns in freshwater ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, our findings suggest particular risk for fauna during low rainfall periods through microplastic concentration effects.

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Funding

Financial support for this study was granted by the National Research Foundation of South Africa Thuthuka (NRF, UID: 117700) and the University of Venda Niche (SES/18/ERM/10) grants to TD. RNC received funding from the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aquatic Systems Research Group, Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa

    Rendani Mbedzi, Florence M. Murungweni & Tatenda Dalu

  2. School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK

    Ross N. Cuthbert

  3. Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa

    Ryan J. Wasserman

  4. Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa

    Tatenda Dalu

Authors
  1. Rendani Mbedzi
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  2. Ross N. Cuthbert
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  3. Ryan J. Wasserman
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  4. Florence M. Murungweni
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  5. Tatenda Dalu
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Correspondence to Tatenda Dalu.

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Mbedzi, R., Cuthbert, R.N., Wasserman, R.J. et al. Spatiotemporal variation in microplastic contamination along a subtropical reservoir shoreline. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 23880–23887 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08640-4

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