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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Data Sheet 1_Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments: a meta-analysis of influencing factors and methodological recommendations.csv
ClearMicroplastic pollution in aquatic environments: a meta-analysis of influencing factors and methodological recommendations
This meta-analysis pools data from over 60 European studies to identify the key factors that influence microplastic concentrations in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The findings reveal that population density, proximity to urban areas, and sampling methods all significantly affect measured levels, helping researchers better understand where microplastic exposure risks are highest.
[Occurrence Characteristics of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments and Their Environmental Ecological Risk Assessment].
This meta-analysis pools data from studies worldwide to map where microplastics are found in rivers, lakes, and oceans, and assesses their ecological risks. Understanding how widespread microplastics are in water sources matters because contaminated water is one of the main ways people are exposed to these particles.
Systematic Meta-analysis of Microplastic Concentrations in Aqueous Ecosystems
This meta-analysis compiles data on microplastic concentrations measured across different water environments worldwide. The findings help establish baseline levels of microplastic contamination in the aquatic systems that supply our drinking water and seafood, providing important context for understanding how much microplastic exposure humans may face through these sources.
What You Net Depends on if You Grab: A Meta-analysis of Sampling Method’s Impact on Measured Aquatic Microplastic Concentration
This meta-analysis of 121 studies finds that the method used to collect water samples significantly affects how much microplastic pollution is measured. Net, pump, and grab sampling methods produce systematically different concentration readings, meaning past estimates of microplastic levels in drinking water sources may be inaccurate depending on how they were collected.
Microplastics in freshwater: A global review of factors affecting spatial and temporal variations
This global review analyzed 75 studies to identify the spatial and temporal factors that influence freshwater microplastic distribution. Researchers found that higher microplastic concentrations are consistently associated with urban land cover, high population density, and wastewater treatment plant effluent, while precipitation increases and higher water flow decreases local concentrations. The study calls for more standardized spatial analytical methods to improve comparability across studies.
Assessment of Micro-Plastic Contamination in Urban River Systems: A Case Study Using UK Catchment Data
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in urban rivers across the UK, finding that wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, and industrial discharge are the main sources. The research matters for human health because urban rivers supply drinking water and recreational areas, and microplastic pollution in these waterways increases the risk of human exposure.
Microplastics in the riverine environment: Meta-analysis and quality criteria for developing robust field sampling procedures
This meta-analysis reviews how microplastics are sampled in rivers and finds that current methods are inconsistent, making it hard to compare results across studies. Better standardized sampling approaches are needed to accurately measure how much microplastic pollution flows through rivers that supply drinking water to communities.
Microplastics in water: occurrence, detection, and impacts – a comprehensive review of multiple studies
This comprehensive review synthesized current knowledge on microplastic occurrence, detection methods, and impacts across marine, freshwater, and remote aquatic ecosystems. Researchers highlighted that microplastic concentrations are particularly high in urban rivers, transported through runoff, atmospheric deposition, and river input. The review identifies critical research gaps including the need for standardized detection methods and more studies on chronic human exposure through contaminated seafood and drinking water.
Meta-analysis on microplastics monitoring in global water resource recovery facilities: An emphasis on overlooked factors
This meta-analysis pools data from water treatment facilities worldwide to assess how effectively they remove microplastics from wastewater. The findings reveal significant variation in removal rates depending on region and treatment methods, meaning the amount of microplastics that pass through into rivers and drinking water sources depends heavily on where you live.
Microplastics pollution in the rivers of a metropolitan city and its estimated dependency on surrounding developed land
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in four rivers across Hong Kong and found that rivers in urbanized areas had significantly higher concentrations of plastic particles than the rural river. The most polluted river contained over 53 plastic particles per liter of water, and contamination levels correlated with the proportion of developed land in surrounding areas. The study suggests that urban development and population density are key drivers of microplastic pollution in city waterways.
Analysis, prevalence and impact of microplastics in freshwater and estuarine environments: an evidence review
This systematic review summarized the existing research on microplastics in freshwater rivers, lakes, and estuaries. It found that current microplastic levels in most freshwater environments are below the concentrations that cause lethal harm to aquatic life, but the highest-pollution sites may already pose risks for subtler health effects on fish and other organisms. The review also highlighted that different sampling methods produce very different results, making it hard to compare studies.
A review on microplastics in major European rivers
This review summarizes existing research on microplastic contamination in six major European rivers, finding polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene as the most common types. The researchers noted significant inconsistencies between studies due to different sampling and analysis methods, making it difficult to compare results or assess true contamination levels. Standardizing how scientists measure microplastics in rivers is essential for understanding the real scope of contamination in European freshwater supplies.
Occurrence of microplastic pollution in rivers globally: Driving factors of distribution and ecological risk assessment
Researchers constructed a global dataset of microplastic pollution across 862 river water and 445 sediment samples, identifying population density, GDP, and plastic waste generation as key driving factors of riverine microplastic distribution and ecological risk.
A standard analytical approach and establishing criteria for microplastic concentrations in wastewater, drinking water and tap water
This study proposes standardized methods and concentration benchmarks for measuring microplastics in wastewater, drinking water, and tap water. The researchers found that current studies use widely varying techniques, making it difficult to compare results or set safety limits. Establishing consistent measurement standards is a critical first step toward determining what levels of microplastics in drinking water may pose risks to human health.
Factors Controlling Microplastic Concentrations and Polymer Profiles in Wastewater, Storm Water, and Surface Water
A critical review of 143 studies found that microplastic concentrations in wastewater span eight orders of magnitude, with the highest levels in the smallest particle size fractions, while polyethylene and polypropylene are the most commonly detected polymers across freshwater systems. The wide variation is largely an artifact of inconsistent sampling, extraction, and analytical methods, making direct comparisons between studies unreliable and complicating decisions about water treatment and regulation.
Runoff and discharge pathways of microplastics into freshwater ecosystems: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis examines how microplastics enter freshwater systems through wastewater, stormwater runoff, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff. Understanding these pathways is essential because freshwater sources provide drinking water, and knowing where microplastics come from helps target efforts to reduce human exposure.
Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs
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 pollution in the German aquatic environment: Existence, interactions and research needs
This review examines microplastic pollution in German waterways and wastewater treatment plants, finding concentrations as high as 11,050 particles per liter in rivers. Fibers were the most common shape, and polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the dominant polymer types, mostly coming from municipal and industrial wastewater. The authors highlight that despite being Europe's largest economy, Germany has surprisingly limited research on this issue and call for standardized measurement methods.
Effects of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the distribution and abundance of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems
Researchers reviewed nearly 6,500 articles to identify the environmental and human factors driving microplastic distribution in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. They found that both natural factors like water flow and temperature, and human activities like urbanization and agriculture, significantly influence where microplastics accumulate in rivers and lakes. The study provides a framework for predicting microplastic pollution hotspots and prioritizing monitoring efforts in freshwater systems.
Microplastics Across Interconnected Aquatic Matrices: A Comparative Study of Marine, Riverine, and Wastewater Matrices in Northern Greece
Researchers studied tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in seawater, rivers, and wastewater treatment plants in Northern Greece to see how much plastic pollution exists in the region's water systems. They developed a reliable method to measure these microscopic plastic pieces, which can enter our food chain through seafood and drinking water. This baseline data will help authorities track plastic pollution levels and develop strategies to reduce microplastics in water that could eventually affect human health.
Using Data-Driven Methods and Aging Information to Quantitatively Identify Microplastic Environmental Sources and Establish a Comprehensive Discrimination Index
This meta-analysis uses data-driven methods to trace microplastics back to their environmental sources. Understanding where microplastics come from is a critical step toward reducing exposure, as it helps identify which industries, products, and practices contribute most to the contamination people encounter in daily life.
Influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the composition, concentration and spatial distribution of microplastics: A case study of the Bay of Brest (Brittany, France)
Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations in surface water and sediment at nine locations across the Bay of Brest, France, and found that pollution levels were highest near population centers and wastewater outfalls. The study identified both polymer types and size distributions, helping to trace the sources of microplastic contamination in this coastal bay.
First evidence of microplastics in a freshwater river and their relationship to water quality
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in a freshwater river used for recreational purposes and found a significant relationship between microplastic abundance and water physicochemical quality parameters, along with the presence of three organic compounds, providing evidence that microplastic pollution and water quality are closely linked.
Disentangling the anthropogenic and environmental correlates of microplastic pollution in the coastal waters of a metropolis in Southern China
Researchers surveyed 31 sites across Hong Kong's coastal waters and found microplastics at every location, with concentrations ranging widely depending on local conditions. They analyzed both human activity patterns and environmental factors to identify the main drivers of contamination. The study found that population density and proximity to urban discharge points were strongly associated with higher microplastic levels in surface waters.