Freshwater Microplastics Accumulate Along Predictable Hydrological Gradients
Authors
Sophie Nguyen
Abstract
Lakes integrate pollutants from entire catchments, yet microplastic distribution within them is poorly mapped. We sampled surface waters and sediments across a 60 km² lake system.
Particle concentrations scaled with residence time and inflow proximity, peaking in depositional basins. A simple transport model explained 71% of spatial variance, enabling targeted monitoring.
Open Journal System Demo: Nature,
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026),
3 August 2026