We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Substantial burial of terrestrial microplastics in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found substantial burial of terrestrial microplastics in Three Gorges Reservoir sediments, suggesting that large hydropower dams act as significant traps that intercept microplastic transport from rivers to the ocean, with implications for the Yangtze River's plastic output.
Abstract Hydropower dams impact the transport of microplastics from rivers to the ocean. The Yangtze River is a large source of plastics to the ocean. Here, we report microplastic concentrations and compositions across a range of size fractions for sediment samples collected in the upper and lower reaches of the Three Gorges Dam in 2008, 2015, 2019 and 2020. We find a gradual increase in microplastic abundance over time, with preferential retention of small-sized (<300 μm) microplastics in the dam reservoir sediments. Small microplastics accounted for between approximately 44 and 90% of identified microplastics, and 82% of all polyethylene particles, which were the dominant polymer type. Our estimate of the total plastic mass load in reservoir sediments suggests that the Three Gorges Dam retains as much as 8048 ± 7494 tons yr ‒1 microplastics in sediments, which is equivalent to 47 ± 44% of the Yangtze River microplastic flux to the ocean.
More Papers Like This
The Three Gorges Dam alters the spatial distribution and flux of microplastics in the Yangtze River
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped how the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River alters the distribution and flow of microplastic pollution. They found that the reservoir acts as a significant trap for microplastics, accumulating them in sediment and the fluctuation zone along its banks, while reducing the downstream flux. The study suggests that large dams fundamentally change how microplastic pollution moves through major river systems.
Accumulation of floating microplastics behind the Three Gorges Dam
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected trawl samples from the Three Gorges Reservoir on the Yangtze River and found extraordinarily high microplastic concentrations — up to 13.6 billion particles per square kilometer — accumulating behind the dam. The dam appears to act as a massive trap for floating plastic, preventing downstream transport and concentrating pollution to extreme levels.
The hydro-fluctuation belt of the Three Gorges Reservoir: Source or sink of microplastics in the water?
AI summary Read the abstract
The water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir in China was found to be both a source and sink for microplastics depending on season, with high concentrations of plastic particles in the sediment. This large reservoir acts as an accumulation point for microplastics from upstream rivers.
Microplastics in surface waters and sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled surface waters and sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir in China and found microplastic contamination throughout, with concentrations influenced by water flow dynamics and proximity to human settlements.
Occurrence Patterns and Pollution Risk of Microplastics in Surface Sediments and Sediment Cores of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the occurrence, distribution, and pollution risk of microplastics in surface sediments and sediment cores of China's Three Gorges Reservoir across different water seasons. The study found distinct seasonal patterns in microplastic abundance and composition in both surface sediments and vertical core profiles, confirming the reservoir acts as a significant sink for microplastic contamination.
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.