High-levels of microplastic pollution in a large, remote, mountain lake

Free, Christopher M.; Jensen, Olaf P.; Mason, Sherri A.; Eriksen, Marcus; Williamson, N.; Boldgiv, Bazartseren

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.06.001

Cited by 1,102 publications

(513 citation statements)

References 76 publications

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“…The impacts of particle age and/or weathering on plastisphere consortia may be comparatively pronounced within marine ecosystems where the residence times of plastic often exceed those within rivers and streams [24]. However, microplastics additionally accumulate within environments such as lakes, where they may persist for decades (similar to timescales predicted for marine habitats) and can be exposed to high levels of UV radiation [2,27,28]. Local-scale differences in the composition of plastisphere assemblages between polymer types have been found [12,29,30], but it is unknown whether there are any general differences in the dominant types of plastic within freshwater and marine ecosystems.…”

Section: Factors Contributing To Biofilm Formation and Compositionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic-Associated Biofilms: A Comparison of Freshwater and Marine Environments

Harrison

Hoellein

Sapp

et al. 2017

The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry

106

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Microplastics (<5 mm particles) occur within both engineered and natural freshwater ecosystems, including wastewater treatment plants, lakes, rivers, and estuaries. While a significant proportion of microplastic pollution is likely sequestered within freshwater environments, these habitats also constitute an important conduit of microscopic polymer particles to oceans worldwide. The quantity of aquatic microplastic waste is predicted to dramatically increase over the next decade, but the fate and biological implications of this pollution are still poorly understood. A growing body of research has aimed to characterize the formation, composition, and spatiotemporal distribution of microplastic-associated ("plastisphere") microbial biofilms. Plastisphere microorganisms have been suggested to play significant roles in pathogen transfer, modulation of particle buoyancy, and biodegradation of plastic polymers and co-contaminants, yet investigation of these topics within freshwater environments is at a very early stage. Here, what is known about marine plastisphere assemblages is systematically compared with up-to-date findings from freshwater habitats. Through analysis of key differences and likely commonalities between environments, we discuss how

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Section: Factors Contributing To Biofilm Formation and Compositionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic-Associated Biofilms: A Comparison of Freshwater and Marine Environments

Harrison

Hoellein

Sapp

et al. 2017

The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry

106

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“…Lake Hovsgol, a remote mountain lake in Mongolia, was surveyed for pelagic microplastics [30]. Results showed that microplastic abundance ranged from 997 to 44,435 items/km 2 .…”

Section: >0355mentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic Pollution in Inland Waters Focusing on Asia

Zhang

Xiong

2017

The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry

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The presence of microplastics in marine environment is increasingly reported and has been recognized as an issue of emerging concern that might adversely affect wildlife and cause potential risk to the health of marine ecosystems. In addition, preliminary works demonstrated that microplastics are ubiquitously present in many inland waters with concentrations comparable or higher than those observed in marine environments. Asia is the most populous continent in the world, and most Asian countries are under rapid development while facing serious environmental problems. In this chapter, we review the available literature reporting on the occurrence of microplastics in inland waters in Asia. Limited works have provided basic information on the occurrence, distribution, and properties of microplastics in lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries in Asia. Comparison with data from other regions worldwide suggests that microplastic pollution in inland waters in Asia can be more serious. These preliminary results call for more research efforts to better characterize the sources, fate, effects, and risks of microplastics in inland waters. Extensive and in-depth studies are urgently needed to bridge the knowledge gaps to enable a more comprehensive risk assessment of microplastics in inland waters and to support the development of policy addressing this issue.

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“…A problem that has been investigated only very recently in Central Asia is that of freshwater microplastics pollution. Free et al (2014) found that one of the most remote lakes in the world, Mongolia's Lake Hövsgöl, was more heavily polluted with microplastics, including residues of plastic bottles, fishing gear and plastic bags than large parts of the Laurentian Great Lakes. Later studies have found that the problem is widespread in the region (e.g., Zhang et al 2016).…”

Section: Water Quality and Aquatic/riparian Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Water in Central Asia: an integrated assessment for science-based management

et al. 2017

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Central Asia contains one of the largest internal drainage basins in the world, and its continental location results in limited availability of both surface and groundwater. Since the twentieth century, water resources of the region have been exploited beyond sustainable levels. From small Mongolian headwater streams to the mighty Aral Sea, surface waters have been partially desiccated. Demands from the agricultural, energy and raw material sectors as well as population growth have not only increased water abstractions, but also left a diverse and strong pollution footprint on rivers, lakes and groundwater bodies. Such changes in water quantity and quality have not only led to a degradation of aquatic and riparian ecosystems, but also they have placed the region's socioeconomic development at risk. Because of the complexity of Central Asia's water problems, integrated assessment and management approaches are required. Despite some shortcomings in practical implementation, the widespread adoption of the Integrated Water Resources Management and water-food-energy nexus approaches may be keys to a more sustainable future. This thematic issue aims to provide documentation of the current state of scientific knowledge, ranging from hydrological research to water quality investigations, and offers an assessment of ecosystems and the services provided by them. Reviews and case studies on different management options conclude the thematic issue by providing insights into field-tested solutions for the region's water challenges.

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High-levels of microplastic pollution in a large, remote, mountain lake

Cited by 1,102 publications

References 76 publications

Microplastic-Associated Biofilms: A Comparison of Freshwater and Marine Environments

Microplastic-Associated Biofilms: A Comparison of Freshwater and Marine Environments

Microplastic Pollution in Inland Waters Focusing on Asia

Water in Central Asia: an integrated assessment for science-based management

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