We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Longitudinal gradients modulate the distribution, composition, and ecological risk of microplastics in a neotropical public water supply reservoir
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) throughout a Brazilian reservoir that supplies drinking water to nearby communities, with plastic accumulating in different ways depending on location, floating plastic bits concentrated near the dam, while degraded plastic fragments built up in the sediment downstream, reaching levels considered a "very high risk" to the ecosystem. While this study focused on environmental risk rather than direct human health effects, it's a reminder that the water systems we rely on for drinking water are acting as both pathways and collection points for plastic pollution, which could eventually work its way into the food chain and our water
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) contamination was assessed in the water and surface sediment in the upstream, dam, and downstream zones of the Tapacurá Reservoir, a tropical public water supply system in northeastern Brazil, over the course of four sampling campaigns. MPs were detected in all samples, with abundances ranging from 13,880 to 27,780 MPs m −3 in the water and 10,940 to 50,760 MPs kg −1 in the sediment. Higher concentrations in the water occurred in the dam area, while accumulation in the sediment was greater downstream, reflecting contrasting transport and deposition dynamics along the longitudinal gradient. The composition of MPs differed significantly between compartments (PERMANOVA, p = 0.001), with fibers predominating in the water (73%) and fragments in the sediment (87%), and particles of 100–500 μm being the most common size class in both. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the dominant polymers, reflecting contributions from urban and agricultural sources in the watershed. Low degradation MPs prevailed in both compartments, while moderately to highly degraded particles were more frequent downstream, indicating progressive weathering throughout the system. Ecological risk indices indicated low to moderate risk in the water, but very high risk in the sediment, especially downstream (PLRI > 2500; Class IV), associated with the accumulation of highly hazardous polymers, with implications for benthic organisms and the food chain. These results demonstrate that tropical reservoirs function simultaneously as conduits and sinks for MPs, reinforcing the need for systematic monitoring in public water supply systems under anthropogenic pressure.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution responses to spatial and seasonal variations and water level management in a polymictic tropical reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in water and sediment from the Guarapiranga Reservoir in Brazil, which supplies drinking water to over five million people. They found that microplastic concentrations were higher near urbanized areas and during the dry season, with water management operations like reservoir drawdowns influencing particle distribution. The study highlights the connection between urban land use, seasonal patterns, and microplastic contamination in critical drinking water sources.
Microplastic pollution of water and sediment from the Guarapiranga Reservoir, Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in water and sediment from the Guarapiranga Reservoir in the Sao Paulo metropolitan region of Brazil, a major drinking water source. The study found diverse microplastic types and raises concerns about plastic pollution in urban water supply systems.
Microplastic contamination in the Guandu River basin: The water supply reservoir of Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region (Southeastern Brazil)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterised the extent and distribution of microplastic contamination throughout the Guandu River basin in Brazil, which supplies drinking water to a major urban area, quantifying MP concentrations and identifying dominant polymer types and morphologies to assess risks to the water supply.
Macroplastics in the Guarapiranga reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil): estimating the generation of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study identified and quantified macroplastics and microplastics in the Guarapiranga Reservoir in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a major public water supply reservoir, assessing contamination levels and sources. Plastics of multiple size classes were detected in the reservoir, highlighting contamination risks for a water body used to supply drinking water to millions of people.
From water to sediment: A meta-analysis of microplastic distribution and the impact of dams in reservoir ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis of 36 reservoirs worldwide found that microplastics tend to accumulate near dams due to a trapping effect, with concentrations declining upstream. Vertical stratification patterns and significant impacts on benthic organism growth and reproduction were observed, highlighting reservoirs as underrecognized microplastic accumulation hotspots in freshwater systems.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.