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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Lead levels and abundance of microplastics in surface water and sediment along a rural–urban river gradient
ClearDistribution and variation of metals in urban river sediments in response to microplastics presence, catchment characteristics and sediment properties
Researchers found that microplastic presence, alongside catchment urbanization and traffic activity, is associated with elevated heavy metal concentrations — particularly lead — in Brisbane River sediments, suggesting microplastics act as co-contaminants and vectors for metal pollution in urban waterways.
Microplastic distribution and their abundance along rivers are determined by land uses and sediment granulometry
Researchers studied two river watersheds and found that microplastics were widespread in both water and sediment, with concentrations in water rising alongside increased urban land use. Interestingly, microplastics trapped in sediment were more influenced by the grain size of the riverbed than by human activity. The findings suggest that both human factors and natural river characteristics work together to shape where microplastics end up in freshwater systems.
Influence of microplastics on nutrients and metal concentrations in river sediments
Researchers investigated how microplastics influence nutrient and metal concentrations in river sediments, finding that microplastics alter the distribution of pollutants through their capacity to adsorb contaminants and support biofilm formation on their hydrophobic surfaces.
Abundance, Distribution and Drivers of Microplastic Contaminant in Urban River Environments
Researchers surveyed microplastic distribution in urban river environments and identified key drivers of accumulation hotspots, finding that land use, hydrology, and infrastructure factors concentrated microplastics at predictable locations that could inform targeted management interventions.
Environmental behavior of microplastic - heavy metal synergistic contamination in a typical urban-rural river network
Researchers investigated the seasonal co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in urban and rural rivers in a Chinese inland city. They found that both pollutant types were present in all water samples and that microplastics can adsorb heavy metals, potentially increasing the combined environmental risk. The study reveals that river networks connecting urban and rural areas serve as pathways for spreading this dual contamination.
Abundance, Distribution, and Drivers of Microplastic Contamination in Urban River Environments
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in sediments from the River Tame and its tributaries flowing through Birmingham, UK, finding microplastics in every sample at an average of 165 particles per 100 grams. The study identified urban density, wastewater treatment plant proximity, and river hydrodynamics as key drivers of microplastic accumulation hotspots in urban rivers.
Microplastic accumulation in benthic macroinvertebrates is widespread, regardless of the river ecological status
A broad survey of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates across multiple rivers found that microplastic accumulation was widespread regardless of local urban development levels, suggesting that factors beyond proximity to urban areas—such as river hydrology and upstream sources—drive MP exposure in freshwater invertebrates.
Occurrence, environmental behavior, and co-pollution of microplastics with HMs in urban channelized rivers
Researchers investigated the occurrence, environmental behavior, and co-pollution dynamics of microplastics and heavy metals in urban channelized rivers, examining how frequent anthropogenic activities introduce these contaminants into aquatic ecosystems. The study characterized spatial distribution patterns and interactions between microplastics and heavy metals, contributing to understanding combined pollution risks in urban waterways.
Riverine macroplastic gradient along watercourses: A global overview
Researchers conducted a global overview of macroplastic pollution gradients along river systems, from upper reaches to lower stretches. The study found that plastic concentrations generally increase downstream, driven by population density and urbanization, and highlighted that upper and middle river zones have been largely overlooked in previous research.
Assessment of combined microplastic and metallic contamination in surface sediment and water along a historically industrialised gravel-bed river (Severn River, UK)
Researchers assessed the combined contamination of microplastics and heavy metals in surface sediment and water along the historically industrialised Severn River in the UK. The study examined how industrial legacy influences the co-occurrence and distribution of these pollutants in a gravel-bed river system.
Co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals to urban river sediments: The vertical distribution characterization and comprehensive ecological risk assessment
Researchers studied how microplastics and heavy metals are distributed at different depths in urban river sediments and found that pollution risk actually increases deeper in the sediment. Polyethylene fragments were the most common type of microplastic found, and the combination of microplastics with heavy metals like zinc, arsenic, and cadmium creates a compounded ecological risk. These findings suggest that looking only at surface sediment may underestimate the true extent of pollution in urban waterways.
Mud and organic content are strongly correlated with microplastic contamination in a meandering riverbed
Researchers found that microplastic concentration in river sediments is strongly correlated with mud and organic content, with riverbank areas showing concentrations about ten times higher than the main channel. The study suggests that sediment composition and river flow dynamics play a key role in where microplastics accumulate within riverbeds.
Impact of microplastics on lead-contaminated riverine sediments: Based on the enzyme activities, DOM fractions, and bacterial community structure
Researchers found that microplastics interact with lead in contaminated riverine sediments, affecting enzyme activities, dissolved organic matter fractions, lead bioavailability, and bacterial community structure in complex ways depending on microplastic concentration.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Kemena River and Niah River of Sarawak, Malaysia
Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence in water and riverbed sediments of the Kemena and Niah Rivers in Sarawak, Malaysia, finding that urbanization along these rivers correlates with higher microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments.
The relevance of microplastics (MPs) abundance and trace metal Pb at the estuaries of ECF and Babon River, Semarang, Indonesia
A study at two river estuaries in Semarang, Indonesia found both microplastics and the heavy metal lead present in the water, and identified a positive correlation between their concentrations — meaning microplastics in these systems are likely carrying lead and potentially amplifying its spread through the environment. This highlights the compounding hazard of microplastics acting as vectors for toxic metals in waterways used by local communities.
Population density and agricultural land cover influence microplastic concentrations in river sediments
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in river sediments across nine Mid-Atlantic US watersheds and compared findings from 18 countries, finding no consistent longitudinal trend from headwaters to downstream reaches, but identifying population density and agricultural land cover as significant positive predictors of MP accumulation at a global scale.
Phthalate esters and nonylphenol concentrations correspond with microplastic distribution in anthropogenically polluted river sediments
Researchers measured phthalate esters, nonylphenol, and microplastics in river sediments and found that their concentrations were highest near residential areas. The distribution of these chemical pollutants closely corresponded with microplastic abundance, suggesting that microplastics may serve as carriers for these harmful substances. The study indicates that sediments near populated areas face compounding contamination from both plastic particles and the chemicals associated with them.
Source-to-sink dynamics of microplastics and heavy metals along a land-use gradient in the tropical river system of India
Researchers tracked microplastics and heavy metals along a river system in southern India, finding widespread contamination in both water and sediment. Household waste was identified as a major source, with tiny plastic pellets and beads making up over 80% of the particles found. The study shows how urbanization and human activity drive microplastic pollution in freshwater systems that communities depend on for drinking and farming.
Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastics in surface water of typical urban rivers in North China, risk assessment and influencing factors
Researchers measured microplastic levels in two urban rivers in North China across wet and dry seasons and found that concentrations generally increased from upstream to downstream. The most common plastics were polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, with natural factors dominating upstream and human activities driving pollution downstream. The study provides a reference for understanding how urbanization contributes to microplastic contamination in river systems.
Microplastic pollution in streams spanning an urbanisation gradient
Researchers sampled microplastics in small streams across an urbanization gradient and found contamination at all sites, with concentrations comparable to those in larger rivers and lakes. Fragments and small particles between 63 and 500 micrometers were the most common forms detected. Surprisingly, catchment-scale factors like population density and stormwater overflows did not predict microplastic levels well, suggesting that local-scale sources may be more important for pollution in small streams.
Distinct microplastic patterns in the sediment and biota of an urban stream
Researchers found distinct microplastic contamination patterns between sediments and aquatic biota in an urban stream, with sediments accumulating more particles while biota showed selective uptake based on particle size and shape, highlighting the complex dynamics of microplastic distribution in urban freshwater systems.
Evaluating the role of microplastics as a vector in metal cycling within the River Thames
Researchers characterized how microplastics in River Thames water adsorb toxic heavy metals, comparing adsorption capacity across different plastic types and water chemistry conditions. Microplastics consistently adsorbed metals including lead, cadmium, and copper, providing the first data on metal-binding capacity for Thames microplastics and supporting their role as carriers of inorganic pollutants in urban rivers.
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.
Microplastic pollution in sophisticated urban river systems: Combined influence of land-use types and physicochemical characteristics
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.