We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Natural abundance δ¹³C constraints on the detection of microplastic-derived carbon in freshwater environments
No summary available — this paper's abstract is not included in the open metadata provided by the publisher. Learn why →
More Papers Like This
Natural abundance δ13C constraints on the detection of microplastic-derived carbon in freshwater environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated whether stable carbon isotope measurements could be used to trace microplastic-derived carbon in freshwater food webs. They found that while one algae species showed significant isotopic shifts when exposed to microplastics, these changes reflected physiological stress rather than actual incorporation of plastic carbon. The study concludes that natural carbon isotope methods have limited practical utility for detecting microplastic signals in freshwater ecosystems under realistic conditions.
Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter: Release Pattern, Chemical Properties, Environmental Risk, and Impact on Carbon Cycling
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MPs-DOM), which plastic debris releases at an estimated 23,600 tons annually into surface waters, covering its chemical properties, release patterns, and interactions with metals, microorganisms, and the carbon cycle. MPs-DOM represents a largely overlooked secondary pollution pathway through which microplastics extend their environmental impact well beyond the particles themselves.
Characteristics and Molecular Signatures of Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter
AI summary Read the abstract
A synthesis of 51 studies found that smaller microplastics, higher temperatures, UV aging, and acidic conditions all increase the amount of dissolved organic matter that microplastics leach into water, with this leaching also acidifying aquatic environments. As microplastics accumulate and weather, the chemicals they release into water may pose additional risks beyond the particles themselves.
Understanding the Source, Distribution, and Fate of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Natural Water Bodies
AI summary Read the abstract
Sampling, detecting, and characterizing micro- and nanoplastics in natural water bodies presents significant technical challenges that limit our understanding of their environmental hazards. Improved standardized methods for measuring these particles are critical to accurately assessing contamination levels and human exposure risks.
Microplastics and Aquatic Limnology: Conception of Biogeochemical Processes
AI summary Read the abstract
This study explored how microplastics discharged into freshwater bodies alter natural biogeochemical cycles, including carbon and nutrient cycling, in ways that disrupt aquatic ecosystem function. These chemical disruptions can cascade through aquatic food webs, ultimately affecting the health of organisms—including humans—that depend on freshwater ecosystems.
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.