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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Widespread Microplastic Pollution in Central Appalachian Streams: Implications for Freshwater Ecosystem Sustainability
ClearQuantifying and classifying microplastics and microparticles across aquatic heterotrophs from headwater streams in central Pennsylvania
Researchers found microparticle contamination across multiple trophic levels in remote forested headwater streams in central Pennsylvania, with secondary consumers showing the highest contamination rates and µFTIR confirming true microplastics at two of five sampling sites.
Far from urban areas: plastic uptake in fish populations of subtropical headwater streams
This study found plastic fibers in 38% of fish from remote subtropical headwater streams far from urban areas in Brazil, with fibers making up the fourth most common item in fish stomachs. The results suggest that even in sparsely populated landscapes, microplastic contamination of freshwater ecosystems is widespread.
Microplastics pollution in freshwater fishes in the South of Italy: Characterization, distribution, and correlation with environmental pollutants
Researchers investigated the presence, abundance, and polymer composition of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of freshwater fish from rivers in southern Italy, and evaluated correlations between microplastic ingestion and environmental pollutant levels. They found microplastics in multiple fish species, with fiber morphologies predominating, and identified associations between microplastic burden and co-occurring chemical contaminants in the sampled environments.
Characterization and enumeration of microplastic pollution in three fish species of the Upper Mississippi River
Researchers found 891 microplastic particles across 281 fish from three species in the Upper Mississippi River, with fibers being the most common type and smaller fish containing proportionally more microplastics than larger ones. This confirms microplastic ingestion is widespread in freshwater fish — not just marine species — and the presence of styrene-isoprene, polyester, and ABS polymers highlights the diverse plastic sources contaminating major river systems.
Contamination of stream fish by plastic waste in the Brazilian Amazon
Researchers evaluated plastic contamination in small fish from Amazonian headwater streams in Brazil, finding widespread plastic pollution in these understudied tropical freshwater ecosystems and characterizing the shapes, sizes, and abundance of plastic items ingested.
Microplastics- A not so Micro Problem: Prevalence in A North Caroline Freshwater System
Researchers investigated microplastic prevalence in the Catawba River Basin of North Carolina by collecting 80 water samples across five sites varying in recreation intensity and upstream/downstream position, finding microplastics present in every sample collected and documenting higher concentrations at downstream and recreated sites.
Occurrence and amount of microplastic ingested by fishes in watersheds of the Gulf of Mexico
Researchers quantified microplastic ingestion by fishes across several freshwater and estuarine watersheds of the Gulf of Mexico. The study documented widespread microplastic occurrence in fish from these environments, contributing important data about freshwater contamination at a time when most research had focused on marine ecosystems.
Distinct dynamics in mountain watersheds: Exploring mercury and microplastic pollution—Unraveling the influence of atmospheric deposition, human activities, and hydrology
Researchers investigated mercury and microplastic co-contamination in mountain freshwater ecosystems, analyzing brown trout, biofilm, and sediment to assess geospatial distribution and identify pollution sources in high-altitude environments.
Habitat Integrity and Microplastic Contamination in Amazonian Streams: Assessment of Water, Sediment, and Fish and Identification of Predominant Polymers
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in Amazonian streams by sampling water, sediment, and fish, and characterised predominant polymer types, finding that contamination was widespread across all environmental compartments regardless of habitat integrity, suggesting that even well-preserved stream habitats are not protected from microplastic pollution.
Occurrence and characterization of microplastic content in the digestive system of riverine fishes
Researchers found microplastics in 93.8% of riverine fish examined, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and nylon being the most common polymer types concentrated near urban and industrial areas, and small particles (0.025-1 mm) predominating across species.
First Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion by Riverine Fish From the Freshwater of Northwest Peninsular Malaysia
Researchers found microplastics in the guts of multiple fish species from two rivers in northwest Malaysia, with some species averaging nearly 50 microplastic particles per gram of body weight. The dominant particles were fibers and fragments of polyethylene and polypropylene — findings that signal widespread contamination of freshwater food sources and raise concerns about human exposure through fish consumption.
Temporal and Spatial Variations in Microplastic Concentrations in Small Headwater Basins in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA
Microplastic concentrations in two Southern Appalachian headwater basins reached up to 65.1 MPs/L — in the upper quartile globally — with approximately 90% being fibers and concentrations increasing with land development intensity over a year of sampling.
Assessing microplastic abundances in freshwater fishes in a subtropical African reservoir
Scientists examined freshwater fish from a reservoir in South Africa and found microplastics in nearly 87% of the fish across eight species. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic, found in both the gills and digestive tracts of the fish. Since these fish are consumed by local communities, the widespread contamination raises concerns about human exposure to microplastics through freshwater fish, an understudied area compared to marine seafood.
Quantification and Categorization of Macroplastics (Plastic Debris) within a Headwaters Basin in Western North Carolina, USA: Implications to the Potential Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Biota
Researchers quantified and categorized plastic debris along Richland Creek, a heavily forested watershed in western North Carolina. They collected over 1,700 pieces of plastic, predominantly films and hard plastics, with foam and film items showing the highest fragmentation rates. A laboratory component confirmed that collected items readily break down into microplastics, demonstrating how macroplastic litter in even rural waterways serves as a continuous source of microplastic pollution.
Assessment on Microplastics Contamination in Freshwater Fish: a Case Study of the Ubolratana Reservoir, Thailand
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in freshwater fish from the Ubolratana Reservoir, Thailand, finding that 96.4% of 14 examined species had ingested microplastics, and assessed abundance, size, colour, and shape of particles from stomach and intestinal contents across sampling stations.
Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know
This review examines the state of knowledge on microplastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems, which have received far less scientific attention than marine environments despite being major pathways for plastic transport. Researchers found that freshwater microplastic concentrations can be extremely high near urban areas and that organisms from insects to fish readily ingest these particles. The study identifies key research gaps including the need for standardized detection methods and better understanding of how microplastics move through and affect freshwater food webs.
Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of microplastic prevalence and abundance in freshwater fish species: the effect of fish species habitat, feeding behavior, and Fulton’s condition factor
A meta-analysis of freshwater fish across 42 studies found an average of 2.35 microplastic items per individual, with 80% of research focused on the gastrointestinal tract and 58% on river environments. Contrary to expectations, microplastic ingestion correlated with fish body physiology (size and weight) rather than feeding behavior or habitat, suggesting physical characteristics determine uptake more than ecological niche.
Microplasts in Freshwater Fish – Problems and Challenges
This review examines microplastic contamination of freshwater fish, covering ingestion evidence from over 150 species, the mechanisms of accumulation in gastrointestinal and other tissues, potential health impacts, and challenges in standardizing quantification methodologies.
Microplastics and heavy metals in freshwater fish: A comprehensive study of contamination and health risks
Researchers simultaneously assessed microplastic and heavy metal contamination in two fish species from Iran's Kashkan River, finding microplastics in 79% of the 48 specimens examined. The study also found heavy metal levels that exceeded safe limits, raising human health concerns for communities consuming these fish.
Incidence of Watershed Land Use on the Consumption of Meso and Microplastics by Fish Communities in Uruguayan Lowland Streams
Researchers found that fish in urbanized Uruguayan lowland streams ingested significantly more meso- and microplastics than fish in streams draining extensive ranching land, with 309 individuals from 29 species analyzed. The results link watershed land use intensity to plastic contamination levels in freshwater fish communities.