Species-specific bioindicators of microplastic pollution in a shallow lake: Hydrological period drives benthic macroinvertebrate exposure in Baiyangdian Lake, China

Key Points

• Benthic macroinvertebrates show significant exposure to microplastic pollution throughout different hydrological periods.
• Key evidence indicates that varying hydrological periods affect species-specific bioindicators of pollution in lakes.
• Observational analysis across Baiyangdian Lake examines the relationship between hydrological periods and pollution exposure.
• These findings underscore the importance of monitoring microplastic pollution for aquatic biodiversity; further studies needed.