Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Marine Pollution Bulletin 16 citations
Article Tier 2

Spatial–Temporal Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in the Shiwuli River

Researchers mapped the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in water and sediment of the Shiwuli River, an urban river in Hefei, China, across flood and non-flood seasons. Microplastic concentrations were higher during flood season and at downstream sites influenced by urban runoff and wastewater. Ecological risk assessment indicated moderate to high polymer-related risks, pointing to urban rivers as significant sources of microplastic pollution that require targeted management.

2023 Water 13 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics and Their Influencing Factors in the Lincheng River, Zhoushan City, China

Researchers analyzed temporal and spatial distribution patterns of microplastics in the Lincheng River in Zhoushan, China, finding that microplastic abundance is influenced by seasonal runoff, land use, and proximity to urban and industrial sources before entering the ocean.

2023 Processes 8 citations
Article Tier 2

Spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastics in an urban river network area

Researchers investigated microplastic dynamics in an urban river network in eastern China, finding abundances of 2.3 to 104.6 particles per liter that were significantly higher during wet seasons and concentrated near commercial, industrial, and wastewater discharge areas.

2022 Water Research 161 citations
Article Tier 2

[Temporal and Spatial Distribution and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Multiple Media of an Urban River].

Researchers collected water and sediment samples from the Guanzhong section of the Weihe River Basin during wet and dry seasons to characterize the temporal and spatial distribution and risk of microplastics in an urban river system. Using density flotation and multiple analytical methods, they systematically documented microplastic abundance, morphology, and polymer composition across multiple environmental media.

2025 PubMed
Article Tier 2

Seasonal influence on pollution index and risk of multiple compositions of microplastics in an urban river

A seasonal study of microplastics in an urban river in China found higher abundance in the dry season (183 items per square meter) compared to the wet season (102 items per square meter). Risk assessment indicated that fibers and small fragments posed the greatest ecological risk, with polymer-specific hazard quotients varying by season.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 47 citations
Article Tier 2

Seasonal variation and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water of the Manas River Basin, China

Researchers investigated seasonal variations in microplastic pollution across the Manas River Basin in China, sampling surface water during different seasons. They found that microplastic abundance varied significantly by season and location, with higher concentrations linked to agricultural runoff and urban discharge. The study provides a risk assessment framework for understanding how seasonal factors influence microplastic contamination in inland freshwater systems.

2020 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 246 citations
Article Tier 2

Spatiotemporal Patterns, Characteristics, and Ecological Risk of Microplastics in the Surface Waters of Shijiu Lake (Nanjing, China)

Researchers surveyed surface waters of Shijiu Lake and its tributaries in Nanjing, China, during dry and rainy seasons, finding microplastic abundances of 17–31 items/L, with higher concentrations during the rainy season and small particles (38–75 μm) as the dominant fraction.

2025 Water
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 Environmental Pollution 50 citations
Article Tier 2

Spatial Distribution and Ecological Risk of Microplastic Contamination in River Water Near a Landfill Leachate Disposal Area: A Case Study of Supit Urang Landfill, Malang City, Indonesia

Researchers mapped the spatial distribution and ecological risk of microplastic contamination across river sediments in a Chinese river system, finding risk levels varied with proximity to urban centers and industrial zones, and that certain polymer types posed elevated ecological hazard.

2025 Jurnal Pengelolaan Sumberdaya Alam dan Lingkungan (Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management)
Article Tier 2

Abundance, Composition, and Potential Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Surface Water at Different Seasons in the Pearl River Delta, China

Researchers measured microplastic abundance, composition, and ecological risk in surface water of the Pearl River Delta across different seasons, finding spatially uneven distribution with some sites showing far higher concentrations than others. Ecological risk scores were highest at sites near industrial zones and dense urban areas.

2022 Water 19 citations
Article Tier 2

Distribution, Sources, and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in the Lower Minjiang River

Researchers characterized microplastic abundance, morphology, and polymer composition in surface water and sediments from the lower Minjiang River in China, then used pollution load indices and ecological risk assessments alongside socioeconomic data to identify likely pollution sources and ecological impacts.

2025 Toxics
Article Tier 2

Characteristics, drivers and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in the surface water of urban rivers in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities - A case study of Dongguan city

Researchers investigated microplastic characteristics and ecological risks in surface water of three urban rivers in Dongguan City within the Greater Bay Area of southern China. They found that average microplastic abundance during the wet season was 4.7 times higher than the dry season, with industrial activity along riverbanks driving the differences in contamination. Risk assessments indicated medium-high to high ecological risk classifications for the rivers studied.

2024 Environmental Pollution 18 citations
Article Tier 2

Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in an urban river: The response to urban waste management

Microplastics were detected throughout surface water and sediments of an urban Chinese river (Nanming River) in both dry and wet seasons, with 25 different polymer types identified and the highest concentrations near sewage discharge points and plastic waste dump sites. The study shows that urban river management practices — particularly wastewater handling — are critical in controlling how much plastic reaches downstream ecosystems.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Environmental fate of microplastics in an urban river: Spatial distribution and seasonal variation

Researchers investigated microplastic distribution along an urban river in Guangzhou, China, finding that abundance increased from upstream to midstream and decreased toward the estuary, with seasonal variation linked to rainfall and human activity patterns.

2023 Environmental Pollution 56 citations
Article Tier 2

Investigation of microplastics in urban rivers of Eastern China in summer: abundance, characteristics and ecological risk assessment

Microplastic abundance and characteristics were investigated in urban rivers in Eastern China during summer 2023, covering both the plum rain and typhoon rain seasons. The Qinhuai River showed average concentrations of 470 items per liter, with the highest abundance of 484 items per liter at downstream sites, increasing with water flow.

2024 Environmental Science Processes & Impacts 5 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic pollution in Chinese Rivers: A detailed analysis of distribution, risk factors, and ecological impact

Researchers aggregated data from 2,474 microplastic samples across 165 publications to assess ecological risk in Chinese rivers, finding widespread contamination with average abundance varying substantially by watershed characteristics. A revised risk assessment accounting for particle morphology and polymer toxicity raised concern levels beyond previous estimates.

2025 Marine Pollution Bulletin 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Risk assessment and zoning of soil microplastics in a typical megacity, China

Researchers mapped microplastic contamination across soils in Nanjing, a major Chinese city, and found that risk levels varied significantly by location. Residential areas, government districts, and industrial zones showed the highest concentrations, with washing-related activities and soil properties being key factors influencing pollution levels. The study provides a risk-based zoning framework that could help city planners prioritize cleanup and prevention efforts in the most affected areas.

2025 Journal of Hazardous Materials 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic pollution of the Tamsui River and its tributaries in northern Taiwan: Spatial heterogeneity and correlation with precipitation

Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the Tamsui River and its tributaries in northern Taiwan, collecting samples over three months. They found microplastics in every sample, with concentrations varying widely between rivers, from 2.5 to 83.7 particles per cubic meter. The study found a positive correlation between rainfall and microplastic abundance, suggesting that precipitation washes plastic debris from land into waterways.

2020 Environmental Pollution 201 citations
Article Tier 2

Occurrence of microplastics pollution in the Yangtze River: Distinct characteristics of spatial distribution and basin-wide ecological risk assessment

Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution across the entire Yangtze River basin, compiling data from the headwaters to the estuary to create a comprehensive picture of contamination. They found distinct spatial distribution patterns, with higher concentrations in urban and industrialized stretches of the river. The study also conducted a basin-wide ecological risk assessment, finding moderate to high risk levels in several sections.

2022 Water Research 94 citations
Article Tier 2

Unseen riverine risk: Spatio-temporal shifts of microplastic pollution and its bioavailability in freshwater fish within the Ikopa River urban system

This study tracked spatio-temporal shifts in microplastic pollution concentrations in a river system, linking concentration changes to seasonal flow dynamics and identifying hot spots of accumulation that pose elevated risk to aquatic biota.

2024 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 4 citations
Article Tier 2

[Microplastic Pollution Status and Ecological Risk Evaluation in Weihe River].

This Chinese study characterized microplastic abundance, shapes, sizes, colors, and polymer types in the Weihe River in northwest China. The findings document significant microplastic contamination in a major regional river that drains one of China's most densely populated agricultural areas, raising concerns about both ecosystem and human health.

2023 PubMed 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic Occurrence Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Urban River in Cold Regions during Ice-Covered Periods

Researchers characterized microplastic occurrence in urban runoff across multiple Chinese cities, measuring concentrations, polymer types, and size distributions, and assessed associated ecological risk using hazard quotient approaches. Polystyrene and polyethylene dominated the samples, and ecological risk was highest in storm drains receiving inputs from dense commercial and industrial districts.

2024 Sustainability 6 citations