Data Mining Revealing Recent Microplastics Pollution of Freshwater in China

Abstract

This review mainly discusses the characteristics and correlation of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater systems under various geographical environments in China. The distribution and source of MPs are analyzed and their spatial analyses are performed using the GIS method. Besides, the current and future situation of microplastic pollution in China is further evaluated through data mining. Results indicate that recent studies mainly focused on the middle and lower reaches of the yangtze river and its tributaries, as well as lakes and reservoirs along the yangtze river. Notably, large-scale reservoirs, rivers, and lakes located in densely populated areas showed higher abundances of MPs. Taken together, the current MP’s pollution of freshwater in China was not optimistic. Novel technologies should be developed to remove existing microplastics and new laws and regulations should be promulgated to reduce plastic waste pollution.