We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Coupled effects of urbanization level and dam on microplastics in surface waters in a coastal watershed of Southeast China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed the distribution of microplastics across 17 sampling sites in the Minjiang River Watershed in southeast China, finding that microplastic concentrations were positively correlated with urbanization indicators and that dams influenced spatial distribution patterns.
Investigating the heterogeneous distribution pattern of plastic pollution in river systems is useful for better understanding the transport pathways of plastics from land to sea. Therefore, we analyzed samples from 17 sites to evaluate the distribution pattern of microplastics (MPs) in Minjiang River Watershed. The MP concentrations ranged between 0.12 and 2.72 n/L, with higher microplastic concentrations located in urban areas with greater population and gross domestic product (GDP) densities. MP concentrations were positively correlated with population density, GDP density, and built-up land use percentage, suggesting that increasing urbanization level will lead to greater plastic pollution. MP concentrations spanning the upstream and downstream sides of the SK Hydropower Dam showed decreasing trends, suggesting that MP settling would occur behind the dam and Shuikou Reservoir might serve as a sink for MPs. This study provides useful insight for revealing the effects of urbanization and dams on spatial distribution of riverine MPs.
More Papers Like This
Effects of cascade dams on the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surface sediments of Wujiang river basin, Southwestern China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic distribution in sediments of the Wujiang River basin in southwest China, finding that cascade dams trap and accumulate microplastics in reservoir sediments, with dam density and upstream land use significantly influencing local microplastic abundance and composition.
Microplastic pollution in sophisticated urban river systems: Combined influence of land-use types and physicochemical characteristics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study assessed microplastic pollution across an urban river network in China, finding that land-use type and water physicochemical properties jointly influence microplastic distribution, with industrial and residential areas contributing highest loads.
Distribution Patterns of Microplastics Pollution in Urban Fresh Waters: A Case Study of Rivers in Chengdu, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in urban rivers of Chengdu, China, finding concentrations of 5 to 10.5 items per liter, predominantly transparent fragments and fibers, with spatial distribution influenced by urbanization and wastewater discharge.
[Microplastic Characteristics and Risk Assessment in Multigate Dam-type River].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, composition, and ecological risk in surface water and sediments across ten dams on the Shaying River, China, finding that dam construction complicates microplastic distribution patterns and increases retention of particles in reservoir environments.
Microplastics pollution in inland freshwaters of China: A case study in urban surface waters of Wuhan, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastic pollution in inland freshwaters across urban suburban areas of China, finding contamination that reflected land use intensity and population density in the surrounding catchments.
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.