Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: sources, research methods and environmental consequences. Experience of Russian researchers and prospects for pollution control in Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Yugra

This article presents an analytical review of scientific studies focusing on the issue of microplastic pollution in freshwater bodies in Russia. The study examines in detail the primary sources of microplastic particles entering aquatic environments, including domestic and industrial wastewater, rainwater runoff, urban dust, and diffuse sources such as the decomposition of plastic waste in landfills and natural environments. Special attention is given to the methods of collecting water and sediment samples employed by various research groups. Contemporary approaches to microplastic detection and identification are described, including visual methods using optical and electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The review presents data on the impact of microplastics on biological organisms and ecosystems, including disruptions in trophic networks and impairments in the functioning of the endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems. Aspects of the mechanical and toxicological effects of microplastics are considered, as well as the processes of contaminant sorption onto their surfaces. The conclusion highlights the need for further standardization of research methodologies and additional investigations to gain a deeper understanding of the extent of microplastic distribution in freshwater ecosystems, particularly in regions with insufficient empirical data. The importance of developing comprehensive strategies to minimize microplastic pollution in freshwaters is emphasized.