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A review of microplastics pollution in dams globally: Consequences and future outlook
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This review examines microplastic contamination in dams worldwide, covering particle origins, dominant shapes and polymer types, and the ecological and water quality consequences. It identifies dams as significant MPs sinks and highlights major knowledge gaps given the limited research on this environment.
Microplastic pollution, as an emerging and toxic pollutant, has become a major concern in aquatic ecosystems, including dams. Given that very little research has been conducted in this field, this article reviews this environmental challenge. In this paper, the origin, shape, color, polymer nature, and consequences of the presence of microplastics (MPs) in dams around the world were investigated based on limited published research. The dominant shape, color, and polymer nature in dams were found to be fiber, white, and polyethylene (PET), respectively. Given the increasing distribution of MPs in aquatic resources, special attention was paid to the prospects and management strategies for their mitigation.
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The role of dams as sources and sinks of plastics in global rivers
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This meta-analysis pools data from global studies to assess how dams trap and release plastic pollution in rivers. The findings reveal that while dams can act as sinks that accumulate plastic debris, they also release microplastics downstream during water discharge, affecting the quality of water that communities downstream rely on for drinking and agriculture.
From water to sediment: A meta-analysis of microplastic distribution and the impact of dams in reservoir ecosystems
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This meta-analysis of 36 reservoirs worldwide found that microplastics tend to accumulate near dams due to a trapping effect, with concentrations declining upstream. Vertical stratification patterns and significant impacts on benthic organism growth and reproduction were observed, highlighting reservoirs as underrecognized microplastic accumulation hotspots in freshwater systems.
The effect of dams on river transport of microplastic pollution
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This study investigated whether dams trap microplastics in river sediments, finding significant accumulation of microplastics upstream of dams compared to downstream, suggesting dams act as microplastic sinks. The findings have implications for managing microplastic transport through river systems and for understanding contamination risks associated with dam removal.
[Microplastic Characteristics and Risk Assessment in Multigate Dam-type River].
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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.
Environmental Impact of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions
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This review examines microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, covering chemical, biological, and ecological processes beyond simple physical contamination and identifying priority areas for future research directions.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.