We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Damming has changed the migration process of microplastics and increased the pollution risk in the reservoirs in the Shaying River Basin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how dam construction in the Shaying River Basin affects microplastic pollution in water, sediment, and biological tissues near ten dams. The study found that dams alter the transport and deposition of microplastics, intercepting large amounts in reservoirs and changing how microplastics accumulate in freshwater organisms through shifts in food web structure.
The impact of damming on river ecosystems has received increasing attention, but a comprehensive understanding of the occurrence, drivers and exposure risks of microplastic (MP) pollution in multigate dam-type rivers is lacking. We investigated the characteristics and abundance of MPs in water, sediment and biological tissues from samples collected in the vicinity of ten dams in the Shaying River basin and analyzed the effect of environmental and food web structural changes on MP accumulation in freshwater animals under the influence of dams. Dam construction affects the transportation, suspension, and deposition of MPs at different dam locations (upstream, reservoir, and downstream) by altering hydrodynamihas changed the migration process of MPs. The dams intercepted a large amount of MPs from upstream sediments in the reservoir but had no significant capturing effect on MPs in water. The structure of the food web in the reservoir was simplified and the animals in the reservoir had the highest risk of MP contamination. A high MP abundance (or high microplastic diversity integrated index (MDII) values) in the environment or simplification of the food web may have led to higher MP accumulation in animals. More effort is needed to monitor MP pollution in reservoirs and control it sources.
More Papers Like This
[Microplastic Characteristics and Risk Assessment in Multigate Dam-type River].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, composition, and ecological risk in surface water and sediments across ten dams on the Shaying River, China, finding that dam construction complicates microplastic distribution patterns and increases retention of particles in reservoir environments.
The effect of dams on river transport of microplastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated whether dams trap microplastics in river sediments, finding significant accumulation of microplastics upstream of dams compared to downstream, suggesting dams act as microplastic sinks. The findings have implications for managing microplastic transport through river systems and for understanding contamination risks associated with dam removal.
From water to sediment: A meta-analysis of microplastic distribution and the impact of dams in reservoir ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis of 36 reservoirs worldwide found that microplastics tend to accumulate near dams due to a trapping effect, with concentrations declining upstream. Vertical stratification patterns and significant impacts on benthic organism growth and reproduction were observed, highlighting reservoirs as underrecognized microplastic accumulation hotspots in freshwater systems.
Dam operation changed the transport patterns of microplastics - from a global perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed data from 517 sampling sites near dams worldwide to understand how dam operations affect microplastic transport in rivers. They found that reservoirs behind dams accumulate higher abundances and more diverse types of microplastics compared to upstream and downstream areas, essentially acting as traps. Seasonal dam operations, particularly during wet seasons, can flush accumulated microplastics downstream into sediments, altering pollution distribution patterns.
Environmental fate of microplastics in alpine and canyon-type river-cascade reservoir systems: Large-scale investigation of the Yalong River in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a large-scale investigation of microplastic distribution in the Yalong River on the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, examining how cascade dam construction affects plastic pollution. They found that microplastic abundance in water and sediment within reservoir areas was significantly higher than in free-flowing river sections, with dams trapping high-density particles in sediments. The study suggests that cascade reservoir systems alter the migration patterns and accumulation of microplastics within alpine river watersheds.
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.