Microplastic Contamination in Water Bodies: Sources, Fate, and Ecological Impacts in Native Rivers

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) contamination is a growing environmental challenge impacting freshwater and native river systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on MP sources (primary and secondary fragmentation), their entry into rivers (e.g., wastewater, runoff, atmospheric deposition), and their complex fate influenced by hydrodynamics, particle characteristics, biofilms, and biotic interactions. Ecological impacts include physical harm (e.g., gut blockage) and chemical risks from leached additives and adsorbed contaminants, affecting organism health, food webs, and ecosystem functions. Detecting and quantifying MPs, especially in diverse and remote river matrices, faces significant methodological challenges. Even native rivers are susceptible, highlighting MP's pervasive nature. Effective mitigation requires a multi faceted approach: source reduction, improved waste/wastewater management, and ongoing research into long-term impacts, standardized methods, and remediation. Protecting riverine ecosystems, particularly sensitive native rivers, demands integrated management and global cooperation.