Detection of small microplastics in the surface freshwater samples of Yangcheng Lake, China.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics up to 20 μm are recognized as having the highest potential to cause significant impacts on aquatic environments. Current methods face challenges in detecting and chemically characterizing small microplastics in freshwater systems. In this study, using an optical confocal micro-Raman tweezer technique, the composition of particles trapped in lake aggregates collected from surface water around Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, China, has been identified. Surface freshwater samples were analyzed from 15 different sites around the lake. In total, 514 particles were analyzed of which 136 were small microplastics. Chemical characterization showed the presence of five different polymer types, with polystyrene being the most dominant, accounting for 63% of the detected particles. Small plast

SUBMITTER: Xu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11565016 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature