We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics in dam reservoir after impoundment
Summary
Microplastic distribution was mapped both horizontally and vertically in a Chinese reservoir after impoundment, revealing that plastics were not uniformly distributed but concentrated in specific depth layers and spatial zones influenced by water flow and stratification. The study provides insight into how dam reservoirs trap and accumulate microplastics from river inputs.
In freshwater ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) are commonly found in reservoirs. However, limited information is available on the distribution of MPs in the reservoirs. In this study, we investigated the horizontal and vertical distribution characteristics of MPs in the Guanyingyan reservoir (the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, China) after impoundment and the influence of free-floating plant residues on the distribution of MPs. Results indicated that the MPs abundance in the horizontal distribution of the reservoir decreased significantly while the distance from the dam increased. The abundance of MPs in shoreline waters (average: 8.45 items L) was significantly higher than that in central waters (average: 4.80 items L). As for the vertical distribution, the percentages of fibers in the three water layers (surface, intermediate, and deep) have less variation when compared to other types of MPs. Besides, MPs who are less than 0.5 mm in size are the majority. With deeper underwater, there would be more MPs with particles smaller than 200 μm in size. At the same time, there would be fewer MPs with particles ranging from 200 to 500 μm in size. PS, PP, and PE are the main polymer types of surface water, while PVC, PE, and PET are the common type in deep water. In shoreline water, the dry weight of floating plant residues showed a positive correlation with microplastic abundance in different layers. As above said, this study confirmed that MPs in reservoirs after impoundment would tend to accumulate in the front section of the reservoir and the shoreline water. Besides, free-floating plant residues would accumulate in reservoirs, resulting in the sinking of MPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Seasonal disparities in vertical distributions of microplastics and driving factors in a deep reservoir
Researchers studied microplastic distribution at different depths in a deep reservoir in southwest China and found that concentrations generally increased from the water surface to the bottom. The study revealed seasonal differences in vertical transport patterns, with low-density polymers like polyethylene dominating surface waters while denser particles accumulated in deeper layers.
The Three Gorges Dam alters the spatial distribution and flux of microplastics in the Yangtze River
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.
The hydro-fluctuation belt of the Three Gorges Reservoir: Source or sink of microplastics in the water?
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.
Microplastic pollution in Taihu Lake: Spatial distribution from the lake inlet to the lake centre and vertical stratification in the water column
Researchers mapped microplastic distribution in Taihu Lake from the inlet to the center and at different water depths. They found that concentrations were highest near the inlet and decreased toward the lake center, while vertical distribution showed accumulation patterns influenced by water movement and particle density. The study improves understanding of how microplastics move and settle within large freshwater lake systems.
Microplastics in surface waters and sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
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.