The rivers and seas are vital ecosystems, in which various forms of life develop. Sediments act as a substrate for pollutants, including microplastics (MP) and heavy metals (HM) and other elements, which can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Contamination of river sediments by these pollutants can pose risks to human and animal health via the food chain or direct exposure, thus aggravating ecological imbalances.

The distinctive character of MPs is their small size, defined as particles with a dimension of 0.1 to 5 mm. Heavy metals, widespread contaminants in the environment, continually affect sediments and bodies of water. MPs, due to their non-degradable nature, and heavy metals act as persistent pollutants, and their combined pollution also poses a new threat to our lives.

This work describes an analytical methodology for sampling and analysis of microplastic pollution, including steps such as sample collection, chemical treatment, density separation and filtration[1]. Another objective of this study was also to prepare a protocol for isolating microplastics from organic matter in a river sediment system. Microplastic evaluation was carried out by optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy[2].

We used X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) to assess heavy metals and other elements present in sediments prepared as pressed pellets and loose powders, applying two different sets of standards[3]. In this way a comparative study was carried out using two different sets of standards to determine the quantity of heavy metals and other elements.