Abstract: Microplastic pollution has attracted worldwide attention. The previous reports of microplastics pollution in the Yangtze River basin are summarized, and the spatial distribution and pollution characteristics are analyzed. Moreover, the adverse impacts of microplastics pollution in the Yangtze River basin are discussed, and corresponding prevention and control measures are put forward. Microplastics pollution in the Yangtze River is highly heterogeneous in spatial scale, with the abundance of microplastics in surface water ranging from tens to tens of thousands of ind/m³ and tens to tens of thousands of ind/kg in sediments. Compared with other basins in China and abroad, the Yangtze River Basin is subjected to a medium and low pollution level of microplastics, and the abundance of microplastics in lakes and reservoirs is generally higher than that in rivers. In addition, microplastics in water are mainly polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene, and fibers, fragments and films are dominant shapes. In the Yangtze River basin, the abundance of microplastics increased gradually from the upper reaches to the lower reaches, and from bank to ashore. To control microplastic pollution in the Yangtze River basin, laws and regulations need to be improved, sewage treatment capacity and management and disposal of plastic waste should be enhanced.

Key words: microplastics pollution, abundance, surface water, sediments, control measures, Yangtze River basin