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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to The contamination of inland waters by microplastic fibres under different anthropogenic pressure: Preliminary study in Central Europe (Poland)
ClearMicroplastic pollution in surface water and sediments in the urban section of the Vistula River (Poland)
Microplastic abundance and distribution were examined across an urban section of the Vistula River in Poland, testing the hypothesis that concentrations would be highest in the city center. The study found that microplastic loads were elevated in more urbanized river reaches, with the city center showing higher contamination consistent with urban runoff and wastewater contributions.
Microplastic pollution differences in freshwater river according to stream order: Insights from spatial distribution, annual load, and ecological assessment
Researchers compared microplastic pollution levels in a freshwater river across different land-use zones, finding higher concentrations near urban and agricultural areas than in forested regions. Fiber-type microplastics were predominant across all sampling locations.
Microplastics and anthropogenic fibre concentrations in lakes reflect surrounding land use
A survey of lakes across multiple land-use types found that microplastic and anthropogenic fiber concentrations reflected the intensity of surrounding human activity, with urban and agricultural catchments accumulating more particles than forested ones, and long water retention times allowing particles to concentrate over time.
Microplastics Occurrence in Two Mountainous Rivers in the Lowland Area—A Case Study of the Central Pomeranian Region, Poland
Researchers conducted the first microplastic survey of two mountainous rivers flowing through landscape parks and urbanized zones in northern Poland, analyzing morphological types, sizes, and seasonal variation in microplastic occurrence. The study characterized microplastic contamination in rivers that serve as habitat for sea trout and salmon, connecting urban pollution to protected aquatic ecosystems.
Lake sediments as microplastic sink: The case of three lakes from Northern and Central Poland
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in bottom sediments from three lakes in northern and central Poland with low surrounding human activity, finding between 4 and 21 microplastic particles per kilogram of wet sediment. These values were low compared to lakes in urbanized areas, suggesting anthropogenic pressure significantly drives sediment microplastic accumulation.
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.
Riverine microplastic contamination in southwest Germany: A large-scale survey
A large-scale survey of microplastic contamination across multiple rivers in southwest Germany found that contamination increased from headwaters to lowland sections and was elevated downstream of urban areas and wastewater treatment plant discharges. Fibers dominated in all rivers, and the study highlighted rivers as both pathways and temporary sinks for microplastics.
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.
Distribution Patterns of Microplastics Pollution in Urban Fresh Waters: A Case Study of Rivers in Chengdu, China
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in urban rivers of Chengdu, China, finding concentrations of 5 to 10.5 items per liter, predominantly transparent fragments and fibers, with spatial distribution influenced by urbanization and wastewater discharge.
Microplastics pollution and risk assessment in water bodies of two nature reserves in Jilin Province: Correlation analysis with the degree of human activity
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the waters of two nature reserves in northeastern China and found contamination at all sampling sites, with abundances correlated to the degree of nearby human activity. Fiber-shaped microplastics were the most prevalent type, and risk assessment indicated moderate ecological concern in some areas. The study demonstrates that even protected natural areas are not immune to microplastic pollution, particularly when human activities occur nearby.
First evidence of microplastics in a freshwater river and their relationship to water quality
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in a freshwater river used for recreational purposes and found a significant relationship between microplastic abundance and water physicochemical quality parameters, along with the presence of three organic compounds, providing evidence that microplastic pollution and water quality are closely linked.
Benthic macroinvertebrates and microplastic contamination in contrasting water quality environments of the Middle Tietê River basin (São Paulo, Brazil)
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in benthic invertebrates and sediments between a heavily polluted urban river and a cleaner tributary in São Paulo, Brazil. Higher microplastic concentrations were found near urban areas, confirming that human activity drives plastic accumulation in freshwater ecosystems.
The occurrence of microplastics in freshwater systems – preliminary results from Krakow (Poland)
This preliminary study measured microplastic concentrations in freshwater systems in Poland, finding particles widely distributed in both surface water and sediment. The research fills a gap in knowledge about microplastic contamination in Central European inland waterways.
Microplastic in surface waters of urban rivers: concentration, sources, and associated bacterial assemblages
Researchers measured microplastic levels in the surface waters of the Chicago River and its urban tributaries, finding concentrations as high as 1.94 particles per cubic meter near wastewater outflows. They discovered that microplastic fibers and pellets were often colonized by bacterial communities distinct from those in the surrounding water. The study provides early evidence that urban rivers are significant conduits for microplastic pollution and that these particles may serve as rafts for microorganisms.
Baseline Study on Microplastics in Indian Rivers under Different Anthropogenic Influences
Researchers collected microplastic samples from Indian rivers under different levels of anthropogenic influence and found MPs in all sites, with concentrations correlating with population density and industrial activity, providing one of the first systematic field datasets for major Indian river systems.
Microplastics in 132 Iowa lakes and variability in relation to abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors
Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations across 132 lakes in Iowa, finding that microplastics were nearly ubiquitous even in rural, minimally developed lakes — though concentrations were higher in lakes near urban areas, agricultural land, and higher human population density. Fiber-type microplastics were most common, consistent with patterns seen globally. The broad survey across diverse lake types provides compelling evidence that microplastic contamination of freshwater lakes is widespread across the American Midwest, not limited to industrial or highly urbanized regions.
Characteristics, Contamination Levels, and Ecosystem Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Surface Water of a Highly Urbanized River from a Developing Country
Researchers characterized microplastic contamination in an urban river near a megacity in a developing country, finding concentrations of 350 to 660 particles per cubic meter of water. Polyethylene and polypropylene from household and municipal waste were the most common types, and a risk assessment found concerning contamination levels at several sampling sites. The study highlights how rivers in developing nations can serve as major pathways for microplastics to reach the ocean and enter the food chain.
Monitoring of microplastic concentrations in 132 Iowa lakes in relation to abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors
Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations in 132 lakes across Iowa, examining how biological, physical, and human factors influence plastic levels. Lakes near populated areas and with greater human activity showed higher microplastic concentrations, demonstrating that freshwater lakes are broadly contaminated by plastic pollution.
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.
Anthropogenic Litter in Urban Freshwater Ecosystems: Distribution and Microbial Interactions
Researchers quantified anthropogenic litter in urban rivers and streams and found that microplastics dominated by mass and particle count compared to macroplastic items. The study highlights urban freshwater systems as major conduits for plastic pollution moving toward marine environments and documents distinct microbial communities on plastic surfaces.
Distribution and risk assessment of microplastic pollution in a rural river system near a wastewater treatment plant, hydro-dam, and river confluence
This study measured microplastic pollution in a rural river in New York State and found elevated concentrations near a wastewater treatment plant, a hydroelectric dam, and a river junction. Even in this mostly forested and agricultural area, all sites were polluted with microplastics at concerning levels. The findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination is not just an urban problem and can affect rural waterways that communities depend on.
Widespread microplastic pollution in Indiana, USA, rivers
Researchers surveyed nine Indiana river watersheds and found microplastics in every single one, regardless of whether the surrounding land was urban, agricultural, or forested. Plastic fibers dominated across all sites, suggesting they arrive mainly via atmospheric deposition rather than runoff, which means even remote waterways are exposed. The findings indicate that rivers have a distinct microplastic profile compared to large lakes, and that flowing water ecosystems are pervasively contaminated throughout the midwestern United States.
Microplastic distribution and their abundance along rivers are determined by land uses and sediment granulometry
Researchers studied two river watersheds and found that microplastics were widespread in both water and sediment, with concentrations in water rising alongside increased urban land use. Interestingly, microplastics trapped in sediment were more influenced by the grain size of the riverbed than by human activity. The findings suggest that both human factors and natural river characteristics work together to shape where microplastics end up in freshwater systems.
Microplastics and fibers from three areas under different anthropogenic pressures in Douro river
Microplastics and fibers were measured in the Douro River at three sites under different land-use pressures, finding that urban and agricultural areas contributed more microplastics than near-pristine reference sites, with seasonal and hydrological factors also playing a role.