We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Prevalence, Fate and Effects of Plastic in Freshwater Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the prevalence, environmental fate, and biological effects of plastics in freshwater ecosystems, an area that has received less attention than marine plastic pollution. Freshwater bodies are major pathways for microplastics to reach marine environments and are themselves affected by plastic contamination.
Plastic (and microplastic) pollution has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, and a hallmark of the human-driven epoch known as the Anthropocene. It has gained the attention of the general public, governments, and environmental scientists worldwide. To date, the main focus has been on plastics in the marine environment, but interest in the presence and effects of plastics in freshwaters has increased in the recent years. The occurrence of plastics within inland lakes and rivers, as well as their biota, has been demonstrated. Experiments with freshwater organisms have started to explore the direct and indirect effects resulting from plastic exposure. There is a clear need for further research, and a dedicated space for its dissemination. This book is devoted to highlighting current research from around the world on the prevalence, fate, and effects of plastic in freshwater environments.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics as contaminants in freshwater environments: A multidisciplinary review
AI summary Read the abstract
This multidisciplinary review covers microplastic sources, abundance, composition, transport, and biological effects in freshwater systems globally, arguing that freshwater environments are both major conduits and sinks for microplastic pollution.
Pollution of Freshwater Ecosystems by Microplastics: A Short Review on Degradation, Distribution, and Interaction with Aquatic Biota
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes published literature on the distribution, degradation, and ecological interactions of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems globally. The paper covers MP distribution patterns, interactions with heavy metals in freshwater, and documented uptake by aquatic organisms along with associated biological impacts.
Sources, Occurrence, and Analysis of Microplastics in Freshwater Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge on microplastic sources and occurrence in freshwater environments, noting that freshwater systems are major conduits delivering microplastics to the ocean. The review highlights that freshwater microplastic research lags far behind marine studies despite rivers and lakes being primary pollution pathways.
Impacts of microplastics in freshwater systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized scientific knowledge about microplastic impacts in freshwater systems, covering sources, distribution, ingestion by organisms, and potential ecological effects. It identifies freshwater ecosystems as both reservoirs and pathways for microplastic transport to the oceans, with impacts on freshwater biodiversity and potentially on drinking water quality.
Impacts, fate and trophic transfer of microplastics in the freshwater environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the distribution, fate, and trophic transfer of microplastics in freshwater environments, documenting their presence in rivers and lakes worldwide. The authors summarize evidence for microplastic ingestion by freshwater biota and discuss implications for ecosystem health.
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.