We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: a recent review of occurrence, analysis, potential impacts, and research needs
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the occurrence, analysis methods, impacts, and mitigation of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, covering lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It identifies membrane technology and other advanced filtration approaches as promising tools for removing microplastics from freshwater environments.
The utilization of plastics has now become a threat to the environment as it generates microplastic particles (<5 mm in size). The increasing studies on the occurrence of microplastics in different environmental compartments have raised concern about the potential effects on ecosystems and living organisms. Of these, numerous studies are focused on marine environments. The occurrence of microplastics is recently extended to the freshwater environments, including river systems, streams, lakes, pond, creek, and estuarine rivers. This paper overviews the current knowledge and research findings on the occurrence of microplastics in water, sediment, and fish in freshwater environments. The review also covers the adopted methodology and impacts of microplastics to the ecosystem. Future perspectives are discussed as well in this review.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence and Control of Microplastics and Emerging Technological Solutions for Their Removal in Freshwaters: A Comprehensive Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the occurrence of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems and evaluates current and emerging technologies for their removal, including advanced filtration, biodegradable plastic alternatives, and plastic-to-fuel conversion. Researchers found that the complete removal of microplastics remains an unsolved challenge, complicated by inconsistent detection methods across studies. The study emphasizes the urgent need for standardized measurement techniques and coordinated global strategies to address freshwater microplastic pollution.
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.
Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes the growing body of research on microplastic contamination in freshwater rivers, lakes, and sediments, which has received far less attention than marine environments. Researchers found that freshwater microplastic concentrations can rival or exceed those reported in ocean studies, particularly near urban and industrial areas. The study identifies critical knowledge gaps including the lack of standardized sampling methods and limited understanding of how microplastics affect freshwater organisms and ecosystems.
Microplastic contamination, an emerging threat to the freshwater environment: a systematic review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically reviewed the spread of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems — rivers, lakes, and streams — documenting their sources, how they move through water, the damage they cause to aquatic organisms, and the methods used to detect them. Their review serves as a baseline reference for future research and calls for improved waste management to protect freshwater environments from ongoing microplastic contamination.
Microplastics Are Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Freshwater Environments: An Overview
AI summary Read the abstract
This overview examines the emerging problem of microplastic contamination in freshwater environments, covering sources, occurrence, and potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. The authors discuss how microplastics enter lakes and rivers through wastewater treatment plants, runoff, and degradation of larger plastic debris. The review highlights that freshwater microplastic pollution deserves the same research attention as marine contamination, given that rivers serve as major transport pathways for plastics reaching the ocean.
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.