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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics in freshwater: A global review of factors affecting spatial and temporal variations
ClearEffects of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the distribution and abundance of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems
Researchers reviewed nearly 6,500 articles to identify the environmental and human factors driving microplastic distribution in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. They found that both natural factors like water flow and temperature, and human activities like urbanization and agriculture, significantly influence where microplastics accumulate in rivers and lakes. The study provides a framework for predicting microplastic pollution hotspots and prioritizing monitoring efforts in freshwater systems.
A Regional Difference Analysis of Microplastic Pollution in Global Freshwater Bodies Based on a Regression Model
Analysis of microplastic data from 37 freshwater locations worldwide found pollution is highest in Asia, that developing countries have more contamination than developed ones, and that urban areas exceed rural areas. Population density and GDP both correlated with microplastic concentrations, confirming human activity as the primary driver.
Influencing factors of microplastic generation and microplastic contamination in urban freshwater
This study analyzed microplastic contamination in urban freshwater across cities worldwide and identified mismanaged plastic waste and untreated wastewater as the strongest predictors of contamination levels. Smaller microplastic fragments were most closely linked to improper waste disposal, while larger fragments correlated with untreated wastewater discharge. The findings suggest that improving waste management and wastewater treatment in cities could significantly reduce the microplastics entering drinking water sources.
A Review of Microplastic Pollution Characteristics in Global Urban Freshwater Catchments
This review synthesizes evidence on microplastic pollution characteristics in urban freshwater catchments worldwide, examining sources, concentrations, and transport pathways from terrestrial to marine environments. Researchers found that human activities are the fundamental driver of microplastic pollution and that freshwater catchments serve as critical conduits for microplastic transfer to oceans.
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.
A Review of Microplastics in Freshwater Environments: Locations, Methods, and Pollution Loads
This review chapter summarizes global research on microplastics in freshwater environments, covering detection locations, sampling methods, and pollution levels. Because many freshwater bodies serve as drinking water sources, understanding where microplastics occur and in what quantities is critical for assessing risks to human health.
Distribution of microplastics in freshwater systems in an urbanized region: A case study in Flanders (Belgium)
Researchers mapped microplastic distribution across freshwater systems in Flanders, Belgium, finding widespread contamination with concentrations varying by land use and urbanization level, providing a regional-scale assessment needed for risk evaluation in densely populated areas.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments: a meta-analysis of influencing factors and methodological recommendations
This meta-analysis pools data from over 60 European studies to identify the key factors that influence microplastic concentrations in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The findings reveal that population density, proximity to urban areas, and sampling methods all significantly affect measured levels, helping researchers better understand where microplastic exposure risks are highest.
Microplastic analysis in urban areas and their impact on quality of life
Researchers reviewed the growing threat of microplastic pollution to biodiversity and human health, focusing on freshwater systems as a key exposure pathway. The study emphasizes the need for standardized identification methods for microplastics in freshwater environments.
Effect of urbanization and water quality on microplastic distribution in Conceição Lagoon watershed, Brazil
Researchers assessed microplastic distribution across urbanized and non-urbanized tributaries of Conceicao Lagoon watershed in Brazil. The study found that while urbanization significantly affected water quality parameters, it did not always correspond to higher microplastic concentrations. Evidence indicates that microplastic pollution in freshwater systems is influenced by multiple factors beyond urbanization alone, complicating simple predictions about contamination patterns.
Advances in quantifying the drivers of the occurrence, transport, and fate of freshwater microplastics
This review analyzes the many factors that control where freshwater microplastics end up, finding that concentrations vary by seven orders of magnitude across different locations worldwide. Microorganisms, plants, and animals all interact with microplastics in ways that change how the particles move and accumulate in water systems. Understanding these complex transport networks is essential for predicting human exposure through drinking water and freshwater food sources.
Worldwide distribution and abundance of microplastic: How dire is the situation?
This review examines the global distribution and abundance of microplastics across marine and freshwater ecosystems. Researchers found that microplastic accumulation varies significantly based on geographic location, water movement patterns, and proximity to human activity. The study emphasizes that without proper regulations to curb plastic pollution, microplastics will continue to threaten aquatic environments and, ultimately, human well-being.
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.
Assessment of microplastics in freshwater systems: A review
This review of microplastic research in freshwater systems found that while most pollution studies have focused on marine environments, freshwaters are major conduits and sinks for microplastics, with WWTPs being a key pathway rather than a complete barrier. The authors call for standardized methods and more research on freshwater microplastic sources, distribution, and effects.
Distribution of microplastics in soil and freshwater environments: Global analysis and framework for transport modeling
Researchers analyzed microplastic concentrations reported across 196 studies from 49 countries and found that levels in soils, sediments, and surface water can vary by up to eight orders of magnitude. The study suggests that inland sources like urban stormwater carry concentrations up to 100 times higher than rivers transporting microplastics to coastal areas, and that only 20% of studies captured particles below 20 micrometers, meaning actual contamination may be significantly underestimated.
Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment: Occurrence, Persistence, Analysis, and Human Exposure
This review synthesizes global research on microplastic occurrence in aquatic environments, from rivers and lakes to wastewater and seafood, and examines how these particles eventually reach humans. Researchers found that microplastics are now ubiquitous in freshwater and marine systems, with trophic transfer and biomagnification serving as key routes of human exposure. The study highlights the need for standardized sampling and analysis methods to enable better comparison across studies and more accurate risk assessment.
Microplastics as contaminants in freshwater environments: A multidisciplinary review
This multidisciplinary review covers microplastic sources, abundance, composition, transport, and biological effects in freshwater systems globally, arguing that freshwater environments are both major conduits and sinks for microplastic pollution.
Microplastics monitoring in freshwater systems: A review of global efforts, knowledge gaps, and research priorities
This review of global microplastic monitoring in freshwater systems found that contamination is widespread, with higher levels near areas of intense human activity in the US, Europe, and China. The lack of standardized testing methods makes it difficult to compare results across studies, which hampers efforts to assess risks to drinking water safety and human health.
Hydro-geomorphic perspectives on microplastic distribution in freshwater river systems: A critical review
This critical review examined 92 case studies on microplastic distribution in freshwater river systems and highlighted major gaps in how researchers quantify and compare pollution levels. The study found that spatiotemporal aspects and transport mechanisms linking microplastic sources and sinks are insufficiently understood. Researchers developed a new procedure for comparing microplastic measurements across water and sediment samples, offering a path toward more standardized pollution assessment.
Research progresses of microplastic pollution in freshwater systems
This review examines the widespread presence of microplastics in freshwater systems around the world, finding concentrations that vary by several orders of magnitude across different regions. Researchers identified fibers as the most common shape, with polypropylene and polyethylene as the dominant polymer types, primarily originating from human activities like sewage discharge. The study highlights concerns about microplastic contamination in drinking water and its potential effects on aquatic organisms.
Quantitative assessment on the distribution patterns of microplastics in global inland waters
Researchers compiled data from over 5,000 observations across 301 published studies to map microplastic levels in freshwater bodies worldwide, finding concentrations ranging from near zero to 4.3 million particles per cubic meter. Human development, farming activity, and water runoff were the strongest predictors of contamination, with China and parts of Asia showing particularly high levels.
Land Use and Rainfall as Drivers of Microplastic Transport in Canal Systems: A Case Study from Upstate New York
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across a canal system in upstate New York, examining how land use and rainfall patterns influence microplastic abundance, distribution, and characteristics. They found significant land-use-dependent variation in contamination, with mean water column concentrations of 17 items/L, and that rainfall events mobilized microplastics differently across agricultural, residential, and impervious-surface sites.
Impact of land cover on microplastics accumulation in freshwater sediments
Researchers tracked microplastic accumulation in freshwater sediments across sites with different land cover types, examining temporal trends to understand how land use affects plastic discharge into waterways. Land cover type was a significant predictor of sediment microplastic concentration, with urbanized and agricultural catchments showing higher accumulation.
Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs
This review synthesizes the growing body of research on microplastic contamination in freshwater rivers, lakes, and sediments, which has received far less attention than marine environments. Researchers found that freshwater microplastic concentrations can rival or exceed those reported in ocean studies, particularly near urban and industrial areas. The study identifies critical knowledge gaps including the lack of standardized sampling methods and limited understanding of how microplastics affect freshwater organisms and ecosystems.