INTERANNUAL DYNAMICS OF MICROPLASTIC CONTENT IN THE SNOW COVER OF THE BARNAUL AGGLOMERATION (BASED ON RESEARCH DATA FROM 2021, 2025, AND 2026)
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Abstract
The article presents the results of a three-year monitoring of snow cover pollution in the Barnaul agglomeration with microplastic particles (MP) based on data from 2021, 2025, and 2026. The purpose of the study is to identify the interannual dynamics and spatial-temporal patterns of MP accumulation in different functional zones and landscape conditions. The sampling was carried out at 49 points covering six functional zones (industrial, residential, recreational, etc.). The concentration of MP was determined by fluorescence microscopy with Nile red staining. The widespread contamination of snow was established: the average concentrations were 125.1±16.4 (2021), 137.6±11.1 (2025) and 57.4±3.7 pcs/l of melted snow (2026). Expressed inter-annual variability was revealed: growth in 2025 and a sharp decrease in 2026, which is not explained by meteorological factors. The correlation between years varies from weak to absent, which indicates the instability of the spatial distribution. Steadily high concentrations were noted in the green areas of the city, and steadily low concentrations were noted in the area of individual low-rise buildings. The production zone showed the maximum inter-annual variability. The "combing effect" by forest vegetation is not constant. The results justify the need for regular monitoring of MP in the snow cover of urbanized areas.
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