0
Article Tier 2 Sign in to save

Microplastics in Freshwater

2020

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.

Study Type Environmental

The natural environment is persistently being exposed to contaminants of emerging concern which does not limit itself to well-known pollutants but also that of microscopic origin [1].

More Papers Like This

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

Occurrence of Microplastics in Freshwater

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.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics in Aquatic Environment

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers summarized how microplastics enter aquatic ecosystems from everyday plastics, industrial processes, and wastewater treatment plants, and reviewed evidence of the resulting harms to aquatic organisms and the broader food web.

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