Polystyrene pollution of the coastal zones of small rivers in an urban area
Abstract
Polystyrene is one of the most widely produced and used polymers, which, when released into the environment, disperses with air masses and surface runoff. The article presents the results of a study of the content of polystyrene particles in the coastal zone of the stream Myshka and Loshitsa river, Minsk. Field research was carried out using the route method with visual identification of waste polystyrene foam and polystyrene granules along the coastline (in water, on soil and vegetation). The total length of the route was about 9 km. It has been established that the coastal zones of the stream Myshka and Loshitsa river is contaminated along almost its entire length with fragments of polystyrene foam boards, foamed and expanding polystyrene granules. Particle sizes vary from 1-2 mm to several centimeters. The most polluted areas are the floodplain in the middle part of the stream Myshka near an enterprise for the production of polystyrene foam boards and the area of technological ponds in the South-Western part of Minsk. A high level of pollution of the coastal zone is typical for the floodplain areas of the stream Myshka and Loshitsa river, where natural barriers of trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation have formed. It has been established that the sources of polystyrene particles are the surface waters of the stream Myshka, in the upper reaches of which there is an enterprise for the production of polystyrene foam boards, as well as storm water from sewers that drain a significant part of the urban area. The need for further research examining the content of microplastic particles using laboratory methods is discussed.
About the Authors
T. I. Kukharchyk
Institute of Nature Management of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
Belarus
Belarus
Tamara I. Kukharchyk, D. Sc. (Geography), Professor, Chief Researcher
220076; 10, F. Skoriny Str.; Minsk
K. O. Ryabychyn
Institute of Nature Management of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
Belarus
Belarus
Kirill O. Ryabychyn, Junior Researcher
220076; 10, F. Skoriny Str.; Minsk
V. D. Chernyuk
Institute of Nature Management of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
Belarus
Belarus
Vladimir D. Chernyuk, Ph. D. (Geography), Senior Researcher
220076; (10, F. Skoriny Str.; Minsk
A. A. Meleshko
Institute of Nature Management of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
Belarus
Belarus
Anastasiya A. Meleshko, Junior Researcher
220076; 10, F. Skoriny Str.; Minsk
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Review
For citations:
Kukharchyk T.I., Ryabychyn K.O., Chernyuk V.D., Meleshko A.A. Polystyrene pollution of the coastal zones of small rivers in an urban area. Nature Management. 2024;(1):68-77. (In Russ.)
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