Tiny Plastic Troubles in the Hanjiang River

The Hanjiang River in China is facing a hidden problem: tiny plastic particles. These small bits, called microplastics, are less than 500 micrometers in size. They are everywhere in the river and can harm aquatic life. A recent study used advanced technology to find out more about these microplastics.

Key Findings

• Average Concentration: 7,278 particles per liter of water.
• Size Distribution:
• Smallest particles (20-50 micrometers): Most common, making up 64.7% of all microplastics.
• Form: Thin films accounted for 60.7% of the total.

Composition

The study identified the most common types of microplastics:

• Polyamide
• Rubber
• Polyurethane

Environmental Impact

• Factors Affecting Microplastics:
• Water temperature
• Phosphorus levels

• Conductivity

• Toxicity Risks:
• Both short-term and long-term harm to aquatic life.
• High risk when considering the mass of microplastics.

Significance

This study is the first to assess the risks of small-sized microplastics in terms of both number and mass, providing a new perspective on their environmental impact.