Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Occurrence of microplastics in the Han River and riverine fish in South Korea

Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the Han River and its tributaries in South Korea, as well as in six species of freshwater fish. They found microplastics at all sampling sites, with polyethylene, silicone, and polystyrene being the most common polymer types. Fish intestines contained an average of 22 microplastic particles per individual, predominantly fragments, indicating widespread contamination of the freshwater food web.

2019 The Science of The Total Environment 329 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic accumulation dynamics in Han river headwaters: Sediment interactions and environmental implication

Researchers examined both horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics in sediments surrounding Lake Paldang in South Korea, along with detailed physicochemical characterization. They found that sediments serve as major repositories for microplastics, with distribution patterns varying across different spatial dimensions. The study provides important data on how microplastics accumulate in freshwater sediments at the headwaters of a major river system.

2024 Journal of Hazardous Materials 11 citations
Article Tier 2

Year-round spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in water and sediments of an urban freshwater system (Jungnang Stream, Korea)

Researchers conducted a year-round monthly survey of microplastic distribution in surface water and sediments of the Jungnang Stream, a major tributary to South Korea's Han River. They found average concentrations of 9.8 particles per liter in water and 3,640 particles per kilogram in sediment, with summer showing significantly higher contamination levels. The study highlights the importance of high-resolution temporal monitoring to understand seasonal dynamics of microplastic pollution in urban freshwater systems.

2024 Environmental Pollution 18 citations
Article Tier 2

Temporal and spatial distribution of microplastic in the sediment of the Han River, South Korea

The first comprehensive survey of microplastic temporal and spatial distribution in Han River sediment in South Korea found microplastics at all sites with concentrations varying by season and proximity to urban areas, with polyethylene and polypropylene fragments and fibers as the dominant types.

2023 Chemosphere 23 citations
Article Tier 2

Distribution of Microplastics in Freshwater, Brackish Water, and Seawater Along the Lower Nakdong River

Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in freshwater, brackish water, and seawater along the lower Nakdong River in South Korea, finding higher concentrations in seawater. The study documents how microplastics accumulate as river water transitions to the sea, contributing to understanding of how plastic pollution is distributed through coastal ecosystems.

2023 Journal of the Korean Society for Environmental Technology
Article Tier 2

Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in fish of the Han River, South Korea: Factors affecting microplastic abundance in fish

Microplastics were detected in 106 fish from 22 species at three sites in South Korea's Han River, with an average of 16-20 particles per individual and downstream sites showing the highest contamination, reflecting greater human activity and urban inputs near the river mouth.

2021 Environmental Research 57 citations
Article Tier 2

The significant impact of MPs in the industrial/municipal effluents on the MPs abundance in the Nakdong River, South Korea

Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic pollution in the Nakdong River, South Korea, which flows through major industrial and urban areas before reaching the sea. They found that industrial and municipal wastewater effluents significantly increased microplastic concentrations downstream. The study identifies wastewater discharge as a primary driver of river microplastic contamination and highlights the need for improved treatment technologies.

2024 Chemosphere 12 citations
Article Tier 2

Occurrence Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments of Cascade Reservoirs Along the Middle-Lower Han River

The occurrence characteristics and ecological risk of microplastics were assessed in a specific environment, providing spatial distribution data and risk indices. Such assessments are important for establishing baseline contamination levels and identifying sites requiring remediation.

2025 Water 1 citations
Article Tier 2

[Composition and Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in Danjiangkou Reservoir and Its Tributaries].

Researchers analyzed the types, abundance, and distribution of microplastics in Danjiangkou Reservoir, a first-class drinking water source protection area in China. Finding microplastics in a protected drinking water source underscores the need for improved upstream plastic waste management and water treatment to protect public health.

2021 PubMed 6 citations
Article Tier 2

[Spatial and Temporal Variation Characterization and Variability of Microplastics in Water-borne River and Reservoir].

A study comparing microplastic levels in a river and a reservoir used as drinking water sources in Guangdong, China found meaningful differences in contamination patterns across seasons and locations. The findings underscore that drinking water source protection strategies need to account for microplastic pollution, as these particles can enter the water supply before treatment.

2026 PubMed
Article Tier 2

Microplastic characterization in small freshwater fishes collected in Gyeongan-cheon, a tributary stream of Han River in South Korea: Ingestion and depuration study of Nylon

Researchers characterized microplastic distribution in freshwater fishes from Gyeongan-cheon, a Han River tributary in South Korea, finding 34-284 particles per individual with fibers and fragments predominating, and conducted nylon ingestion and depuration experiments to assess clearance rates.

2024 Environmental Pollution 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Assessment of Microplastics in Hanumante River of Kathmandu Valley

Researchers found 14–23 microplastic particles per liter in water samples from the Hanumante River in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate identified as the dominant polymer types. The contamination reflects poor plastic waste management in the surrounding communities, as the river receives untreated runoff and waste. The study underscores the need for improved waste infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing South Asian cities to prevent rivers from becoming conduits for microplastic pollution.

2024 Journal of Nepal Chemical Society 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Tracing microplastics from raw water to drinking water treatment plants in Busan, South Korea

Researchers traced microplastic contamination from raw water sources through drinking water treatment plants in Busan, South Korea. They found that while treatment processes removed a significant portion of microplastics, some particles still made it through to the finished drinking water. The study highlights the need for improved water treatment technologies to better address microplastic contamination in tap water.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 92 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in urban water systems, Tehran Metropolitan, Iran

Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across Tehran's urban water systems, including runoff, drinking water, groundwater, rivers, and wastewater effluent. They found microplastics present in all parts of the system, with residential and commercial runoff showing the highest concentrations. The study revealed that different land use types influenced the amount and characteristics of microplastic pollution, suggesting that urbanization patterns play a significant role in water contamination.

2024 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 12 citations
Article Tier 2

Occurrence and Sources of Microplastics in groundwater divided by well depth and Hydrogeology in South Korea

Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence in South Korean groundwater stratified by well depth and hydrogeological setting, finding microplastics in wells across all depths and identifying surface connectivity as a key factor controlling contamination levels.

2024
Article Tier 2

Microplastics contamination and characteristics of agricultural groundwater in Haean Basin of Korea

Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in agricultural groundwater in Korea's Haean Basin, an area without nearby landfills or obvious pollution sources. They found microplastics present in groundwater samples, suggesting that agricultural activities alone can introduce these particles into underground water supplies. The study raises concerns about drinking water quality in farming regions and highlights the need for more research on how microplastics move through soil into groundwater.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 84 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic Pollution Status of Major Highland Agricultural Watersheds in Gangwon

Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in major highland agricultural watersheds in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea, an area previously lacking microplastic data despite extensive national monitoring elsewhere. Sampling in Hongcheon and Jeongseon alongside highland agricultural sites characterized microplastic abundance, morphology, and polymer types in freshwater systems influenced by agricultural land use.

2025 Journal of Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
Article Tier 2

An Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Several Streams of Gyeonggi-do

This study assessed microplastic pollution in several streams in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, finding microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments and contributing data to a literature dominated by marine studies.

2023 Journal of Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 4 citations
Article Tier 2

A review on the presence of microplastics in Asian water and health consequences

Researchers reviewed studies from across Asia and found microplastics in virtually every type of freshwater source — rivers, lakes, tap water, groundwater, and bottled water — with concentrations varying widely by country, raising public health concerns especially where waste management infrastructure is limited.

2025 Discover Environment 2 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2026 Water Practice & Technology
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

Occurrence, distribution, and possible sources of microplastics in the surface river water in the Arakawa River watershed

Researchers investigated the occurrence, distribution, and potential sources of microplastics in surface river water along the Arakawa River watershed running through the Tokyo Metropolitan area, contributing to data on microplastic contamination in populated urban freshwater systems.

2021 Environmental Science and Pollution Research 38 citations
Article Tier 2

National Reconnaissance Survey of Microplastics in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants in Korea

A nationwide survey of South Korean wastewater treatment plants found that large quantities of microplastics are discharged into freshwater environments, with treatment processes only partially effective at removing them. The study highlights WWTPs as a major pathway for microplastic entry into rivers and ultimately the ocean.

2020 Environmental Science & Technology 152 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in the sediments of small-scale Japanese rivers: Abundance and distribution, characterization, sources-to-sink, and ecological risks

Researchers characterized microplastic pollution in sediments of four small-scale Japanese rivers, finding widespread contamination and identifying polymer types and potential sources, highlighting that even small river systems serve as microplastic transport pathways.

2021 The Science of The Total Environment 109 citations