Distribution characteristics of microplastics in storm-drain inlet sediments affected by the types of urban functional areas, economic and demographic conditions in southern Beijing

A storm-drain inlet is an important link in the transport of microplastic pollutants in urban rainwater runoff. In three functional districts (agricultural, commercial, and residential) from Beijing South 2nd Ring Road to South 6th Ring Road, microplastics in storm-drain inlet sediments were analyzed for abundance and characteristics. The abundance of microplastics in the collected samples ranged from 1121 ± 247 items kg−1 to 7393 ± 491 items kg−1. Among the sample areas, the commercial area had the greatest abundance (11094 items kg−1), while the agricultural area had the lowest (833 items kg−1). The microplastics in the samples were mainly fragments, accounting for 50.4%. Microplastics of less than 1 mm accounted for 74.8%. The color of microplastics was diverse, with colored MPs accounting for 26% and transparent ones for 47.8%. Most of the polymers detected were PET, PS, and PP, which are the most commonly used polymers. Overall, the results provide baseline data on microplastic pollution and its associated risks, in addition to guidelines for controlling runoff pollution. [Display omitted] •Microplastic pollution in sediments of storm-drain inlets from different functional areas in southern Beijing was studied.•Microplastic pollution in commercial districts was the most serious.•Small-sized microplastics (