Abstract
Due to smaller particle size (0.1 µm–5 mm), non-biodegradable or slowly degradable nature, and high accumulation capacity in the environment, microplastics are becoming a cause of concern throughout the globe. The abundance and distribution of microplastics in aquatic compartments are strongly influenced by various natural and anthropogenic variables. Hydrodynamic conditions like flood events, caused due to extreme precipitation, accelerate the transport and settlement of microplastics in freshwater bodies. This review highlights the current literature which focuses on the effect of flooding on microplastic abundance, characterization, and distribution in freshwater environments worldwide. However, only limited research papers are identified through focused literature search, as this area of research is relatively new. Most of the studies reported increased and decreased abundance of microplastics in water and sediment samples, respectively, during post-flooding period with the exception of few studies. We also evaluate the post-flooding abundances of different morphological shape and polymer type of microplastics. Fragments, fibers, beads, and film were the most frequently reported microplastic shape and polystyrene, and polyethylene was the dominant polymer type found in freshwater environments. Future research should focus on more advanced techniques to understand microplastic fluxes under flood condition and the dominance of various natural and human-induced factors over one another in determining microplastic abundance. This will further enhance to mitigate microplastic pollution in freshwater environments.
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References
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Acknowledgements
We are highly grateful to the members of Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, for their valuable support during every stage of writing the manuscript. We would like to express our profound gratitude to the almighty for providing the continuous inspiration and sustenance during the entire process of preparation of the manuscript.
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JL and SH designed the study. JL performed the literature search, data analysis, visualization, and wrote the first draft of the article. SH provided the overall guidance, commented on draft versions, and helped in preparation of the final draft of the article.
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Lahon, J., Handique, S. Impact of flooding on microplastic abundance and distribution in freshwater environment: a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 118175–118191 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30819-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30819-8