Seasonal assessment and characterization of microplastics in two urban (Balu) and peri-urban (Shitalakshya) rivers of Bangladesh.

ABSTRACT: This study presents a comprehensive assessment of microplastic (MP) contamination in the Shitalakshya and Balu Rivers, analyzing abundance, characteristics, and seasonal variations in both water and sediment compartments. Sediment samples showed significantly higher concentrations than water samples, with the Balu River exhibiting greater pollution levels (dry season: 5673.33 ± 762.17 MPs per kg; wet season: 3438.33 ± 328.83 MPs per kg) compared to the Shitalakshya River (dry: 3894.1 ± 388.17 MPs per kg; wet: 2671.6 ± 287.33 MPs per kg). Water samples exhibited seasonal fluctuations, with the Shitalakshya showing increased MP abundance during wet seasons (4.65 ± 0.56 MPs per L) while the Balu demonstrated opposite trends. Size distribution analysis revealed dominance of <0.1 mm particles,

SUBMITTER: Roy VK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12536344 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature