0
Article Tier 2 Environmental Sources Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Assessment of combined microplastic and metallic contamination in surface sediment and water along a historically industrialised gravel-bed river (Severn River, UK)

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers assessed the combined contamination of microplastics and heavy metals in surface sediment and water along the historically industrialised Severn River in the UK. The study examined how industrial legacy influences the co-occurrence and distribution of these pollutants in a gravel-bed river system.

Study Type Environmental

International audience

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Spatial Variability and Combined Risk of Metal elements and Microplastics along the River Severn (UK)

AI summary Read the abstract

Scientists found that the River Severn in the UK contains both toxic metals (like lead and zinc) and microplastics throughout its length, with the highest pollution levels near cities and old mining areas. These pollutants tend to cluster together in "hotspots," meaning people living downstream could be exposed to multiple types of contamination at once through their drinking water. This research helps identify the most polluted areas so water managers can focus cleanup efforts where they're needed most to protect public health.

Article Tier 2

Lead levels and abundance of microplastics in surface water and sediment along a rural–urban river gradient

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers sampled water and sediment along a rural-to-urban river and found microplastics at every location, with concentrations decreasing downstream in surface water but not following a clear pattern in sediment. They also found that higher microplastic levels in sediment were linked to higher lead concentrations, suggesting the two pollutants tend to accumulate together.

Article Tier 2

Occurrence, environmental behavior, and co-pollution of microplastics with HMs in urban channelized rivers

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers investigated the occurrence, environmental behavior, and co-pollution dynamics of microplastics and heavy metals in urban channelized rivers, examining how frequent anthropogenic activities introduce these contaminants into aquatic ecosystems. The study characterized spatial distribution patterns and interactions between microplastics and heavy metals, contributing to understanding combined pollution risks in urban waterways.

Article Tier 2

Assessment of Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements in Surface Sediments of the River Kelvin, Central Scotland, United Kingdom

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in sediments along Scotland's River Kelvin and found that abundance increased significantly from upstream to downstream locations, with fibres being the most common particle type. They also detected elevated levels of potentially toxic metals like chromium, copper, and zinc at several sites. The study suggests that urban and industrial activity along the river contributes to co-contamination by both microplastics and heavy metals in freshwater sediments.

Article Tier 2

Abundance, Distribution, and Drivers of Microplastic Contamination in Urban River Environments

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in sediments from the River Tame and its tributaries flowing through Birmingham, UK, finding microplastics in every sample at an average of 165 particles per 100 grams. The study identified urban density, wastewater treatment plant proximity, and river hydrodynamics as key drivers of microplastic accumulation hotspots in urban rivers.

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.

Email me about

Share this paper