Microplastics in surface water under strong anthropopression

The occurrence of microplastics in the aquatic environment is discussed in the scientific literature mainly in the aspect of “large garbage spots” formed especially in the oceans. It is estimated that about 80% of plastics found in seas and oceans are introduced there via rivers. It seems to be very important the recognition of microplastics problems occurring in rivers and the substantive preparation for taking up the challenges posed by EU legal acts. The research was aimed at identifying the problem of microplastics contamination of surface water subjected to strong anthropogenic influence. The research objects presented in the article are rivers flowing through urbanized areas. They are characterized by a high degree of transformation of the catchment and riverbed. Samples were taken from the Bytomka River, the Kłodnica River and the Bielszowicki Stream. In case of the Bytomka River and the Kłodnica River samples were collected upstream and downstream waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). Whereas samples from the Bielszowicki Stream were collected downstream the coal mine. The research showed that typical components of the microplastics in these samples were foil film fragments observed in all sampling points. There were also textile fibers, granules and particles of irregular shape, which are difficult to identify. It has been observed that the amount of microplastics particles is significantly higher in sampling points located under WWTPs. The research shows the need to identify sources of microplastics in surface water and to determine the degree of their harmfulness to aquatic ecosystems.