The ecological fate and transport mechanisms of microplastics in major rivers and their surrounding coastline: a case study in the Mekong River, SE Asia

The transport and vertical distribution of microplastics in the Mekong River, SE Asia

Seasonal and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in Surface Water of the Southern Branch of the Mekong River in Vietnam

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Researchers measured seasonal and spatial patterns of microplastic pollution in the Hau River, a southern branch of the Mekong in Vietnam, finding microplastics distributed throughout the waterway. The results show that even rivers far from major industrial centers carry significant plastic contamination, threatening aquatic life and communities that depend on the river for food and water.

Trailing the flow: source, fate and sink of microplastics in global rivers

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This review synthesized global research on microplastic pollution in rivers, covering sources, entry routes, and the key processes governing transport and transformation—including weathering, aggregation, sinking, and resuspension—along with ecotoxicological and socioeconomic impacts. Because rivers are the primary conduit transferring land-based microplastics to the ocean, understanding riverine dynamics is essential for designing effective interception strategies before contamination reaches marine food webs and human seafood supplies.

Source and Transport of Microplastics in Freshwater Systems in Asia—A Systematic Review

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Researchers systematically reviewed the literature on microplastic sources and transport pathways in freshwater systems across Asia, finding that plastic pollution in rivers and lakes is a rapidly growing concern across the region with increasing published evidence.

Impact and Fate of Microplastics in the Riverine Ecosystem

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Researchers reviewed the fate, transport, and ecological impacts of microplastics in riverine ecosystems, finding that rivers serve as major conduits for microplastic transfer from terrestrial sources to oceans and that riverine biota face significant exposure-related health risks.