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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Environmental fate of microplastics in alpine and canyon-type river-cascade reservoir systems: Large-scale investigation of the Yalong River in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
ClearThe influence of water conservancy project on microplastics distribution in river ecosystem: A case study of Lhasa River Basin in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Microplastic concentrations in the Lhasa River Basin decreased from upstream to downstream as reservoirs acted as sinks, with the barrier effect of dams increasing MP deposition in sediments and reducing surface water concentrations in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Effects of cascade dams on the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surface sediments of Wujiang river basin, Southwestern China
Researchers analyzed microplastic distribution in sediments of the Wujiang River basin in southwest China, finding that cascade dams trap and accumulate microplastics in reservoir sediments, with dam density and upstream land use significantly influencing local microplastic abundance and composition.
Damming has changed the migration process of microplastics and increased the pollution risk in the reservoirs in the Shaying River Basin
Researchers investigated how dam construction in the Shaying River Basin affects microplastic pollution in water, sediment, and biological tissues near ten dams. The study found that dams alter the transport and deposition of microplastics, intercepting large amounts in reservoirs and changing how microplastics accumulate in freshwater organisms through shifts in food web structure.
Effect of cascade damming on microplastics transport in rivers: A large-scale investigation in Wujiang River, Southwest China
Researchers investigated how cascade damming on the Wujiang River in China affects microplastic transport, finding that dams intercept microplastics and reduce their downstream flux, with midstream areas showing the highest concentrations.
[Microplastic Characteristics and Risk Assessment in Multigate Dam-type River].
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, composition, and ecological risk in surface water and sediments across ten dams on the Shaying River, China, finding that dam construction complicates microplastic distribution patterns and increases retention of particles in reservoir environments.
The Three Gorges Dam alters the spatial distribution and flux of microplastics in the Yangtze River
Researchers mapped how the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River alters the distribution and flow of microplastic pollution. They found that the reservoir acts as a significant trap for microplastics, accumulating them in sediment and the fluctuation zone along its banks, while reducing the downstream flux. The study suggests that large dams fundamentally change how microplastic pollution moves through major river systems.
The effect of dams on river transport of microplastic pollution
This study investigated whether dams trap microplastics in river sediments, finding significant accumulation of microplastics upstream of dams compared to downstream, suggesting dams act as microplastic sinks. The findings have implications for managing microplastic transport through river systems and for understanding contamination risks associated with dam removal.
Substantial burial of terrestrial microplastics in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Researchers found substantial burial of terrestrial microplastics in Three Gorges Reservoir sediments, suggesting that large hydropower dams act as significant traps that intercept microplastic transport from rivers to the ocean, with implications for the Yangtze River's plastic output.
Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the Yulin River, China: Role of environmental and spatial factors
Microplastic pollution in the Yulin River in China was highest in tributary bays and declined downstream, with anthropogenic activity being a strong predictor of abundance. The backwater effect of the nearby Three Gorges Reservoir increased microplastic concentrations at the river's estuary, showing how reservoir management shapes plastic distribution.
Horizontal and vertical distribution of microplastics in dam reservoir after impoundment
Microplastic distribution was mapped both horizontally and vertically in a Chinese reservoir after impoundment, revealing that plastics were not uniformly distributed but concentrated in specific depth layers and spatial zones influenced by water flow and stratification. The study provides insight into how dam reservoirs trap and accumulate microplastics from river inputs.
Environmental fate of microplastics in high-altitude basins: the insights into the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin
Researchers mapped microplastic pollution across the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin in Tibet, finding contamination in water, sediment, and soil even in remote high-altitude areas. Below 4,000 meters, human activity was the main source, while above 4,500 meters, microplastics arrived through the atmosphere. The study shows that microplastic pollution has reached some of Earth's most remote regions, meaning no freshwater source is truly free from contamination.
From water to sediment: A meta-analysis of microplastic distribution and the impact of dams in reservoir ecosystems
This meta-analysis of 36 reservoirs worldwide found that microplastics tend to accumulate near dams due to a trapping effect, with concentrations declining upstream. Vertical stratification patterns and significant impacts on benthic organism growth and reproduction were observed, highlighting reservoirs as underrecognized microplastic accumulation hotspots in freshwater systems.
Occurrence and risk assessment of microplastics in the Lhasa River—a remote plateau river on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the Lhasa River on the remote Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, finding microplastics in both surface water (0.63 particles per liter) and shore sediments (0.37 particles per gram). Films and fibers were the dominant shapes, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymer types, and PVC contributing to elevated risk levels. The study reveals that even remote plateau rivers with limited human activity are contaminated by microplastics, raising concerns about their vulnerable ecosystems.
Homogenization of microplastics in alpine rivers: Analysis of microplastic abundance and characteristics in rivers of Qilian Mountain, China
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in five alpine rivers in China's Qilian Mountains and found plastic particles present in all water samples. The microplastics showed similar characteristics across different rivers, suggesting a homogenization effect during transport. The findings demonstrate that microplastic pollution has reached even remote mountain river systems far from major population centers.
Dam operation changed the transport patterns of microplastics - from a global perspective
Researchers analyzed data from 517 sampling sites near dams worldwide to understand how dam operations affect microplastic transport in rivers. They found that reservoirs behind dams accumulate higher abundances and more diverse types of microplastics compared to upstream and downstream areas, essentially acting as traps. Seasonal dam operations, particularly during wet seasons, can flush accumulated microplastics downstream into sediments, altering pollution distribution patterns.
Occurrence of microplastics in the headwaters of Yellow River on the Tibetan Plateau: Source analysis and ecological risk assessment
Researchers documented microplastic contamination in the headwaters of the Yellow River on the Tibetan Plateau, a remote area often considered pristine. They found polypropylene and polyester particles to be the most common types, with sources linked to both local human activities and atmospheric transport. The study suggests that even remote high-altitude ecosystems are not immune to microplastic pollution and face associated ecological risks.
Alpine ponds as overlooked hotspots of microplastic hazards: Evidence from the Eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in alpine ponds on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau across zones of varying human activity, finding ubiquitous microplastic pollution (up to 594 items/L in water) that directly correlated with anthropogenic pressure, identifying high-altitude ponds as overlooked microplastic hotspots.
Occurrence characteristics and transport processes of riverine microplastics in different connectivity contexts
This study is the first to track how dams affect the movement and accumulation of microplastics in rivers. Dams create hotspots where microplastics build up in both water and sediment, and even in rivers without dams, slow-moving areas can accumulate over 10 times more microplastics than other stretches. These findings matter because many communities draw their drinking water from rivers and reservoirs where microplastics may be concentrating.
Microplastic pollution in surface water and sediments of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Current status and causes
A survey of microplastic pollution across rivers and lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau found surface water concentrations averaging 856 items/m³ and sediment concentrations averaging 362 items/m², with river sediments more contaminated than lake sediments and domestic wastewater and tourism identified as primary sources.
Notable ecological risks of microplastics to Minjiang River ecosystem over headwater to upstream in Eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Scientists measured microplastic pollution along 291 kilometers of the Minjiang River on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and found levels increased near more populated areas. The most common types were polyethylene and polypropylene fragments smaller than 500 micrometers. Risk assessments showed medium to very high pollution levels in the river water, raising concerns about contamination even in remote highland regions.
Microplastic contamination in lacustrine sediments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Current status and transfer mechanisms
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in lacustrine sediments across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, finding abundances ranging from 17 to 2,644 items/kg dry weight and identifying atmospheric deposition and river transport as key transfer mechanisms to these remote high-altitude lakes.
The hydro-fluctuation belt of the Three Gorges Reservoir: Source or sink of microplastics in the water?
The water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir in China was found to be both a source and sink for microplastics depending on season, with high concentrations of plastic particles in the sediment. This large reservoir acts as an accumulation point for microplastics from upstream rivers.
Microplastic pollution in the rivers of the Tibet Plateau
Researchers collected water and sediment samples from rivers on the Tibet Plateau and found microplastic contamination even in this remote, sparsely populated region. The microplastics included fibers and fragments from synthetic textiles and packaging, likely transported by atmospheric deposition and human activity along river corridors. The study demonstrates that microplastic pollution has reached some of the most isolated freshwater systems on Earth.
Macroplastic pollution hotspots across global mountain river catchments
Researchers mapped macroplastic pollution hotspots across global mountain river catchments, identifying densely populated mountain areas as significant sources of plastic that enters high-energy river channels where rapid fragmentation into microplastics can occur. The study emphasised that mountain rivers represent underappreciated pathways for microplastic generation and downstream transport to lowland rivers and ultimately the ocean.