We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
“The great source” microplastic abundance and characteristics along the river Thames
AI summary Read the abstract
A two-year study of the River Thames found an average of over 12 microplastic pieces per litre of surface water, with fibres and fragments dominating and polymers including polyethylene and polypropylene identified. Notably, microplastic abundance did not consistently increase along the river's length, suggesting multiple entry points rather than a single accumulation zone. The Thames is thus a significant ongoing source of microplastic pollution flowing into the North Sea.
This study focused on quantifying the abundance of microplastics within the surface water of the River Thames, UK. Ten sites in eight areas were sampled within the tidal Thames, starting from Teddington and ending at Southend-on-Sea. Three litres of water was collected monthly at high tide from land-based structures from each site from May 2019 to May 2021. Samples underwent visual analysis for microplastics categorised based on type, colour and size. 1041 pieces were tested using Fourier transform spectroscopy to identify chemical composition and polymer type. 6401 pieces of MP were found during sampling with an average MP of 12.27 pieces L-1 along the river Thames. Results from this study show that microplastic abundance does not increase along the river.
More Papers Like This
The distribution and abundance of microplastics in the waters and organisms of the River Thames, UK.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance and distribution in water and organisms of the River Thames, UK, contributing data on this major urban river that drains to the sea. The study assessed both the environmental levels and the potential biological uptake of microplastics in this intensively studied river system.
Presence and abundance of microplastics in the Thames River Basin, UK
AI summary Read the abstract
This UK study documented the presence and abundance of microplastics throughout the Thames River Basin, finding plastic particles at multiple sites and contributing to the evidence base needed for freshwater microplastic monitoring and policy in one of Europe's major river systems.
London's river of plastic: High levels of microplastics in the Thames water column
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic concentrations in the River Thames water column were among the highest recorded globally, at about 25 particles per cubic meter at Putney and 14 at Greenwich, with polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant types. Concentrations varied significantly by site, tide, depth, and season, reflecting the dynamic nature of plastic pollution in a major urban river.
Spatio-temporal trends in microplastic presence in the sediments of the River Thames catchment (UK)
AI summary Read the abstract
A 30-month study tracked microplastic concentrations in sediments across the River Thames catchment in the UK, finding an average of 61 items per kg dry weight with sub-millimeter polyethylene fragments dominating. Industrial land use near sampling sites was associated with elevated microplastic concentrations and distinct polymer types.
Spatio-temporal patterns in microplastic pollution of surface waters and sediments within the R. Thames (UK) and its tributaries
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped spatial and temporal patterns of microplastic pollution in surface water and sediments along the Thames River and its tributaries, finding variability driven by river flow, morphology, and proximity to urban areas. Understanding transport and accumulation patterns in this well-studied river helps interpret monitoring data from more complex river systems globally.
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.