- English
Microplastic pollution in tropical urban rivers has become an increasing environmental
concern due to rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management, and hydrological
transport processes. This study investigated the occurrence, characteristics, and spatiotemporal
distribution of microplastics in the Can Tho River, Vietnam, along an urban–
peri-urban–rural gradient during dry and wet seasons. Surface-water samples were collected
at 15 sites and analyzed for microplastic abundance, density, shape, color, and size
composition using stereomicroscopic identification and statistical analyses. Microplastics
were detected at all sampling sites in both seasons, indicating widespread contamination
throughout the river system. Although seasonal differences in overall abundance and
density were not statistically significant at the basin scale, clear spatial variability was observed,
particularly in urban and peri-urban regions. Fibers and fragments were the dominant
shapes, while blue, purple, and green particles were the most common color categories.
Particles larger than 1000 μm accounted for the largest proportion of detected microplastics,
and continuous size-distribution analysis revealed broadly similar overall distributions,
although a greater proportion of smaller particles was observed during the dry
season. The results suggest that hydrological conditions, urbanization, and land-use characteristics
may contribute to the observed spatial and seasonal patterns of microplastic
distribution in the Can Tho River. Peri-urban zones exhibited the greatest seasonal variability,
highlighting their role as transitional areas that may influence microplastic redistribution
in tropical river systems. This study provides baseline information for understanding
microplastic pollution in the Mekong Delta and supports future river management
strategies.
- English
