Micro plastics in the Roter Main river

Sven Frei1, Krutzke Jennifer1, Wilhelm Laura1, Gilfedder Benjamin1, Laforsch Christian2
1 Hydrology, University of Bayreuth
2 Tierökologie I, University of Bayreuth

P 3.7 in Water and the environment: From biosphere to geosphere

Per definition, micro plastics (MP) are particles smaller than 5mm. Recent research assesses especially these small particles as harmful to the aquatic ecosystems. Plastic is a recalcitrance material. It contains chemical toxins due to production and absorbs persistent organic pollutants. Thus these harmful substances can get released into the environment and food chain up to the highest trophic level. For river and stream ecosystems the entry, effect and transport behavior of MP has not been investigated very well. As part of this study we investigated the occurrence of MP in the Roter Main river with special emphasis on the hyporheic zone and the distribution of MP for different flow regimes. Sampling of the hyporheic zone was performed by taking freeze cores and in-stream samples were taken with Microplatic Trap Nets, fine-meshed metal net bags filled with MP free sand. MP particles >500µm were analyzed by visual sorting and attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectroscopy and particles <500µm with an automated Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results show a high abundance of MP particles (up to 2000 particles/kg) in the hyporheic zone and the streambed sediments of the Roter Main river. As potential source for MP in the investigated area, a nearby waste water treatment plant was identified.   



Keywords: microplastic hyporheic zone Roter Main
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