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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Distribution and effects of microplastics as carriers of heavy metals in river surface sediments
ClearEffects of virgin microplastics on the transport of Cd (II) in Xiangjiang River sediment
Six types of microplastics were found to change how cadmium (a toxic heavy metal) binds to and moves through river sediments. The presence of microplastics altered cadmium adsorption behavior, suggesting that plastics in river sediments can affect the mobility and bioavailability of co-occurring heavy metal pollutants.
Interaction and bacterial effects of microplastics pollution on heavy metals in hyporheic sediments of different land-use types in the Beiluo River Basin
Researchers studied how microplastics and heavy metals interact in river sediments across different land-use types in a Chinese river basin. They found that microplastics concentrated more heavily in shallow sediments and that the metals detected on microplastic surfaces were present at much higher levels than in surrounding sediment. The study suggests that microplastics may serve as concentrators and carriers of heavy metal contamination, potentially amplifying pollution risks.
With spatial distribution, risk evaluation of heavy metals and microplastics to emphasize the composite mechanism in hyporheic sediments of Beiluo River
Researchers mapped heavy metal and microplastic contamination in river sediments in China, finding that cadmium, lead, and arsenic posed the highest contamination risk, while fiber-shaped microplastics under 500 micrometers were most common. Heavy metals were found concentrated on microplastic surfaces through electrostatic attraction and bacterial biofilms, meaning the plastics serve as carriers for toxic metals in the water. This combined pollution is concerning because river sediments can release contaminants into water used for drinking and agriculture.
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.
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.
Microplastics in the surface sediments from the Beijiang River littoral zone: Composition, abundance, surface textures and interaction with heavy metals
Researchers characterized microplastics in surface sediments from the Beijiang River in China, finding widespread contamination with characteristics indicating multiple local sources including urban runoff and agricultural activity.
Distribution 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.
Characteristics of Microplastic Pollution in the Water and Sediments of the Suzhou River, Shanghai, China
A systematic survey of Shanghai's Suzhou River—a densely urbanized waterway—found that microplastic concentrations in the water averaged about 2 particles per liter, while sediments contained roughly 940 particles per kilogram, indicating the riverbed acts as a significant microplastic sink. Fibers and fragments made up the majority of particles, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) as the dominant polymers. Heavy metals including chromium, copper, and zinc were detected on microplastic surfaces, raising concern that plastics act as vectors carrying toxic metals through the urban river system into downstream coastal waters.
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.
The potential of microplastics as carriers of metals
Five types of microplastics were tested for their ability to adsorb heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in different water matrices, finding significant adsorption of lead, chromium, and zinc—especially on polyethylene and PVC—with surface area and porosity as key drivers. The study identifies microplastics as potential vectors for heavy metal transport and transfer through aquatic food chains.
Study on the Adsorption Behavior and Mechanism of Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environment before and after the Aging of Typical Microplastics
Researchers investigated the adsorption behavior and mechanisms of heavy metals by typical microplastics before and after environmental aging, finding that aging significantly alters microplastics' surface properties and capacity to bind metals such as cadmium and lead in aquatic systems.
[Occurrence Relationship Between Microplastics and Heavy Metals Pollutants in the Estuarine Sediments of Poyang Lake and the Yangtze River].
This study analyzed microplastic and heavy metal concentrations in sediments at the junction of Poyang Lake and the Yangtze River in China, finding substantial microplastic abundance (averaging ~982 particles/kg) that correlated with levels of copper, cadmium, lead, zinc, and chromium. The co-occurrence of these pollutants raises concern that microplastics and heavy metals may compound each other's environmental risks in this region.
Spatial distributions of macronutrients, heavy metals and microplastics in surface sediments of the mainstem and lakes in the middle part of the Yellow River Basin
Researchers mapped the distribution of macronutrients, heavy metals, and microplastics in sediments along the middle section of the Yellow River and adjacent lakes in China. They found that microplastic concentrations ranged from 233 to 3,333 items per kilogram in river sediments, with nylon as the dominant polymer type. Contamination levels increased significantly after the river flowed through intensive agricultural areas, with urban lakes showing the highest heavy metal concentrations.
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.
Microplastics as a vehicle of heavy metals in aquatic environments: A review of adsorption factors, mechanisms, and biological effects
This review summarizes how microplastics in water can absorb and carry toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium, making them more dangerous to aquatic life than either pollutant alone. Environmental factors such as water acidity, salinity, and organic matter influence how much metal sticks to microplastic surfaces. Since contaminated seafood is a major source of human exposure, understanding these interactions is important for assessing health risks.
Spatial distribution and vertical characteristics of microplastics in the urban river: The case of Qinhuai River in Nanjing, China
Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and vertical characteristics of microplastics in the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, China. The study found an average concentration of about 668 microplastic items per liter, with abundance patterns varying between surface and deep water at different points along the river, and identified correlations between microplastic presence and shifts in microbial community structure.
The effects of riverside cities on microplastics in river water: A case study on the Southern Jiangsu Canal, China
Researchers studied microplastic contamination in the Southern Jiangsu Canal in China and found that riverside cities significantly increase microplastic levels in river water, with abundance rising by 26% to 211% after flowing through urban areas. The study found that microplastic concentrations correlated with regional GDP and population density, with PET, polycarbonate, and polyethylene being the most common polymer types detected.
Microplastics meet micropollutants in a central european river stream: Adsorption of pollutants to microplastics under environmentally relevant conditions
Researchers investigated how microplastics adsorb organic micropollutants in a Central European river under real-world conditions. They found that aged microplastics showed higher adsorption capacity for contaminants compared to pristine ones, and that the type of plastic material influenced which pollutants were absorbed. The findings suggest that microplastics in rivers can act as carriers for harmful chemicals, potentially spreading contamination through aquatic ecosystems.
The competition of heavy metals between hyporheic sediments and microplastics of driving factors in the Beiluo River Basin
Researchers studied the competitive enrichment of heavy metals between river sediments and microplastics in the Beiluo River Basin. They found that while sediments generally had higher heavy metal concentrations overall, microplastics selectively accumulated certain metals at higher rates depending on environmental conditions. The study highlights that microplastics in river systems can act as carriers that redistribute heavy metal contamination in complex ways.
Lead levels and abundance of microplastics in surface water and sediment along a rural–urban river gradient
Researchers sampled water and sediment along a rural-to-urban river and found microplastics at every location, with concentrations decreasing downstream in surface water but not following a clear pattern in sediment. They also found that higher microplastic levels in sediment were linked to higher lead concentrations, suggesting the two pollutants tend to accumulate together.
Partitioning of heavy metals in sediments and microplastics from stormwater runoff
Researchers studied how heavy metals distribute between sediment particles and microplastics in stormwater runoff. UV-weathered microplastics absorbed significantly more heavy metals than new plastic, competing with sediments for metal uptake. This matters because microplastics in stormwater can transport concentrated heavy metals from urban areas into rivers and lakes, creating a combined pollution problem.
Microplastics in river water: occurrence, weathering, and adsorption behaviour
Researchers examined microplastics in river water, characterizing their occurrence, degree of weathering, and capacity to adsorb co-contaminants. The study highlights microplastics as vectors that can transport and re-release other pollutants in freshwater systems.
[Composition and Distribution of Microplastics in the Water and Sediments of Urban Rivers in Beijing].
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in water and sediments from eight sampling points along urban rivers in Beijing. Microplastics were widespread, with fibers being the most common type, likely from laundry and textile sources. Urban rivers are important conduits that transport microplastics from cities into larger water bodies and ultimately the ocean.
Occurrence, potential sources, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in the inland river basins in Northern China
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in a typical urban river system in Northern China, examining both surface water and sediment samples. They found that river sediments contained dramatically more microplastics than surface water, acting as a sink for this pollution, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common types. The study suggests that small fiber and fragment-shaped particles under 0.5 mm dominate these environments, likely originating from everyday plastic products and wastewater discharge.