0
Article Tier 2 Sign in to save

Occurrence of Microplastics in Freshwater

Emerging contaminants and associated treatment technologies 2022 6 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers reviewed the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems globally, finding that rivers, lakes, and groundwater are extensively contaminated from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, and atmospheric deposition, with cascading risks for biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Study Type Environmental

Healthy freshwaters contribute to the conservation of a wide range of species and provide several ecosystem services indispensables for our society. However, freshwater contamination is an issue requiring awareness and management actions. Microplastics are one of the...

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Occurrence and Fate of Microplastics in Freshwater Resources

AI summary Read the abstract

Microplastics enter freshwater resources through both primary sources such as cosmetic microbeads and secondary fragmentation of larger plastic debris, accumulating throughout river systems, lakes, and groundwater. Their persistence and widespread distribution in freshwater raise direct concerns for human exposure via drinking water consumption.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics in Freshwater

AI summary Read the abstract

Freshwater environments face persistent contamination from microplastics and other emerging pollutants of microscopic origin, threatening ecosystems that billions of people rely on for drinking water and food. The ubiquity of microplastics in rivers, lakes, and groundwater means that human exposure through water consumption is effectively unavoidable without advanced treatment interventions.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers reviewed the evidence for microplastic contamination across freshwater environments, finding these particles in virtually all rivers and lakes studied — including remote wilderness areas. Microfibers from synthetic textiles are consistently the most common type found, suggesting laundry runoff is a major and underappreciated source.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers reviewed the widespread presence of microplastics in freshwater environments — including remote lakes and rivers — finding that microfibers from textiles are the most commonly detected type. Since freshwater is a source of drinking water and food, its contamination with microplastics has direct implications for human health.

Article Tier 2

Status of Microplastic Pollution in the Freshwater Ecosystems

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers reviewed the status of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems, noting that only 7% of all plastic produced globally is recycled, leaving vast quantities to accumulate in rivers and lakes. These microplastic particles pose significant risks to aquatic life and potentially to people who depend on freshwater sources for drinking and food.

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.

Email me about

Share this paper