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Microplastics in Asian freshwater ecosystems: Current knowledge and perspectives.
Ngoc Nam Phuong1, Thi Thuy Duong2, Thi Phuong Quynh Le3
1PhuTho College of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2201 Hung Vuong Boulevard, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province 290000, Viet Nam; Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France.
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 9, 2021
Summary
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a major concern in Asian freshwater ecosystems. This study reviews MP abundance, sources, and impacts, highlighting knowledge gaps for better management and sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Pollution Research
Background:
- Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics (MPs) <5mm, is a growing global issue.
- Asia is a "hot spot" for plastic pollution due to rapid development and urbanization.
- Freshwater ecosystems are critical pathways for MP transfer and accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of microplastic pollution in Asian freshwater ecosystems.
- To synthesize current knowledge on MP abundance, sources, fate, and transfer.
- To identify research gaps for improved pollution management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publications from January 2014 to May 2021.
- Analysis of MP contamination in water, sediment, and biota.
- Identification of predominant polymer types, sources, and characteristics.
Main Results:
- Microplastic contamination varied significantly across water (0.004–500,000+ items m⁻³) and sediment (1–30,000+ items kg⁻¹ dry weight).
- Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymer types.
- Domestic wastewater/runoff was the primary source, followed by industrial and aquaculture emissions.
- MPs were detected in biota, indicating transfer through trophic levels.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate waste management in Asia leads to significant MP accumulation in freshwater.
- MP ingestion by aquatic organisms poses risks across trophic levels.
- Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and guide sustainable pollution management.
