We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics across the watershed of the world’s third-largest river
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a large-scale survey of microplastic pollution across the entire Yangtze River watershed, the world's third-largest river. They found microplastics throughout the river system, with concentrations decreasing from upstream to downstream, and fiber-shaped particles smaller than 1 mm being most common. The study provides important baseline data showing that even remote upstream areas of major river systems carry significant microplastic contamination.
While rivers as primary conduits for land-based plastic particles transferring to their "ultimate" destination, the ocean, have garnered increasing attention, research on microplastic pollution at the scale of whole large river basins remains limited. Here we conducted a large-scale investigation of microplastic contamination in water and sediment of the world's third-largest river, the Yangtze River. We found concentrations of microplastics in water and sediment to be 5.13 items/L and 113.9 items/kg (dry weight), respectively. Moreover, microplastic pollution levels exhibited a clear decreasing trend from upstream to downstream. The detected microplastics were predominantly transparent in color, with fibrous shapes predominating, sizes mainly concentrated below 1 mm and composed primarily of PP and PE polymers. Our analysis results indicated that compared to geographical and water quality parameters, anthropogenic factors primarily determined the spatial distribution pattern of microplastics. Moreover, the microplastic abundance in sediment upstream of the dam was significantly higher than that in the downstream sediment, while the trend of microplastic concentrations in water was opposite. Therefore, more effort is needed to monitor microplastic contamination and their ecological environmental effects of sediment before dams in future research.
More Papers Like This
Environmental fate of microplastics in the world's third-largest river: Basin-wide investigation and microplastic community analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a basin-wide investigation of microplastics throughout the entire Yangtze River system, sampling water, sediment, and soil. The study found microplastics in all samples with abundance increasing from upstream to downstream, driven by both geographical and human factors, with major cities at the middle and lower reaches identified as key pollution nodes.
Microplastics in Surface Water in the Yangtze River, China: Basin-Wide Observation, Multiple Ecological Risk Assessment and Sustainability
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a three-year survey of microplastic pollution across the entire Yangtze River Basin in China and found an average of nearly 8,800 microplastic particles per cubic meter of surface water. Tiny particles smaller than 0.3 millimeters made up over 92% of what was found and drove the variation in pollution levels between locations. The study highlights that previous research may have significantly underestimated microplastic contamination by not capturing these smallest particles.
Occurrence of microplastics pollution in the Yangtze River: Distinct characteristics of spatial distribution and basin-wide ecological risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution across the entire Yangtze River basin, compiling data from the headwaters to the estuary to create a comprehensive picture of contamination. They found distinct spatial distribution patterns, with higher concentrations in urban and industrialized stretches of the river. The study also conducted a basin-wide ecological risk assessment, finding moderate to high risk levels in several sections.
Characteristics and Distribution of Microplastics in Shoreline Sediments of the Yangtze River, Main Tributaries and Lakes in China—From Upper Reaches to the Estuary
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists measured microplastic concentrations in sediments along 54 sites spanning the Yangtze River system in China, from the upper reaches to the estuary. Microplastics were found throughout, with higher concentrations near urban and industrial areas, showing how large rivers distribute plastic pollution across vast distances.
Occurrence and fate of microplastic debris in middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River – From inland to the sea
AI summary Read the abstract
A large-scale survey along the middle and lower Yangtze River found microplastics throughout the water column and sediments, with concentrations increasing toward the river mouth and a clear trend of microplastics moving from inland sources toward the sea. The study provides field evidence for rivers as major pathways for microplastic transport from land to ocean.
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.