Work

What a load of rubbish: The impact of anthropogenic litter on urban freshwater diversity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The abundance of anthropogenic litter (AL) in aquatic environments is an increasing global problem. Most research on the effects of AL has focussed on marine environments, with research examining the ecological effects of AL in freshwater ecosystems largely missing. Our study examines the impacts of AL on macroinvertebrate diversity in two urban freshwater systems in West Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom. Two urban river and two canal reaches were surveyed for macroinvertebrates from the bed sediments of riffles (in a river), open water and macrophyte habitats (in a canal), and AL items (from both freshwaters). We found higher local taxonomic richness and differences in community composition in 1) the bed sediments of riffles compared to AL items within urban rivers, and 2) open water and emergent vegetation than AL items within our canal reaches. Taxonomic richness was higher on metals and plastics in urban rivers than canal reaches, and macroinvertebrate community composition was distinct between AL types (e.g., fabrics and metals, plastics and polystyrenes), possibly due to differences in structure, shape and texture. AL items in both urban freshwaters supported unique taxa, indicating that AL items may provide a habitat for macroinvertebrates where physical habitat complexity is poor. The restoration of natural physical habitat and removal of AL should be a key priority for freshwater conservation. However, rinsing AL items prior to removal during litter clean-ups is essential to minimise any potential macroinvertebrate loss. In urban freshwaters, physical habitat could be increased by gravel augmentation, installing large wood or boulders. • Rivers and canals facilitate the movement of anthropogenic litter between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. • Bed sediment complexity and macrophytes influence anthropogenic litter retention. • Structure, shape and texture of anthropogenic litter items influence taxonomic richness and community composition. • The restoration of physical habitat complexity in urban freshwater should be a key conservation priority.

Source: Environmental Pollution

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126097

Authors: Victoria S. Milner, Matthew J. Hill, Kieran J. Gething, Summer B. Cunningham

Institutions: Keele University, Harper Adams University, Environment Agency, University of Huddersfield

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,090