We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination and ecological risk in a riverine system: A case study from the Valvanti River, Goa, India
Summary
Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination in the Valvanti River in Goa, India, finding concentrations ranging from 1.1 to 7.5 particles per liter. Despite moderate concentrations, ecological risk assessments indicated significant hazard levels due to the types of polymers present, with polypropylene, polyamide, and PET as the dominant plastic types.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging global pollutants of critical environmental concern due to their widespread distribution and ecological impact. Although numerous studies have focused on marine and estuarine ecosystems, riverine systems- particularly in Goa, remain underexplored. This research presents a comprehensive assessment of MP contamination in the Valvanti River, North Goa, including an evaluation of MP abundance, physical characteristics, polymer composition, ecological risks, surface degradation, and heavy metal associations. MP concentrations in surface water ranged from 1.1 to 7.5 MPs/L, with an average (± SD) of 2.91 ± 1.69 MPs/L. The majority were colourless (70.49%) and fibrous in shape (96.9%). MPs within the 0.1-0.3 mm size range were most common (40.53%), followed by 0.3-0.85 mm (37.50%) and 0.85-5 mm (21.97%). Polymer analysis revealed polypropylene (27.86%), polyamide (26.10%), polyethylene terephthalate (25.20%), and polyethylene (16.59%) as dominant types. Risk assessments using the Pollution Load Index (PLI = 1.53), Polymer Hazard Index (hazard level V), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (464.4) indicated that, despite moderate MP concentrations, the river is subject to high ecological risk. Surface analysis through SEM-EDS showed evidence of degradation and the presence of elemental contaminants, indicating potential chemical interactions that may heighten environmental threats. Given the importance of rivers as pathways for MPs to marine environments, these findings underscore the need for regular monitoring and mitigation strategies. This study provides the first detailed ecological risk assessment of MPs in the Valvanti River and offers critical insights into freshwater contamination within an underexplored riverine system of Goa.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, quantification and characterisation of microplastics in Godavari River, India
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in the Godavari River in India, finding an average of 3.9 particles per liter across six sites, with fibers making up over 80% of particles and polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymer types. Urban areas had higher concentrations, and the presence of these plastics in a major river system poses risks to agriculture and human health through contaminated water and food sources.
Microplastic pollution in the Chapora River, Goa, Southwest India: spatial distribution and risk assessment
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the Chapora River in Goa, India, finding concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.47 particles per liter across sampling stations. Fibers were the dominant shape, accounting for over 77% of particles, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the most common polymers. The study suggests that both urban activities and fishing contribute to microplastic contamination in this tropical river system.
Assessment, characterization, and quantification of microplastics from river sediments
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediments from 14 sites along the Kaveri River in South India, characterizing particle types, sizes, and polymer compositions to quantify the extent of microplastic pollution in this freshwater system.
Microplastic Contamination: A Case Study in the Freshwater of Krishna River
Researchers found microplastic contamination in three sites along the Krishna River in India, identifying polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyoxymethylene particles at different pilgrimage locations. The study confirms freshwater microplastic pollution in this important Indian river and demonstrates a sampling approach applicable to future monitoring efforts.
Microplastics as a contaminant in Indian riverine system: a review
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination across India's river systems, documenting the types, sources, and concentrations of plastic particles found in major waterways. The findings are concerning for human health because these rivers provide drinking water and irrigation for hundreds of millions of people, creating widespread potential exposure to microplastics.