Spatial distribution and abundance of microplastics particles in the bed sediment of Zeekoevlei Lake, Cape Town

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Date

2021

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Western Cape

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging micro-pollutant that pose a threat to the ecological integrity of freshwater rivers and wetlands. Most previous work on MPs pollution has focused on marine environments. This study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution and abundance of MPs particles in the bed sediment of a freshwater coastal lake in the Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve, Cape Town, which is fed by rivers and stormwater outlets draining a heavily urbanized environment. The first objective was to characterize the spatial distribution of MPs across the lakebed environment, in relation to possible point and non-point sources of contamination.

Description

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil

Keywords

Plastic pollution, Lacustrine ecosystems, Urban rivers, Wetlands, Spatial distribution

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