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Impact of Plastic Waste Leakage on Aquatic Ecosystems in Saran District
Summary
Researchers studying rivers and lakes in a district in India found that most plastic pollution comes from household trash and city drains, and it gets much worse during monsoon season when rain washes it all into the water. This plastic waste is making the water dirtier and less oxygenated, harming fish and wildlife, and breaking down into microplastics — tiny plastic particles that can end up in the water we drink and the fish we eat, raising concerns about long-term exposure in our own bodies.
The leakage of plastic wastes into freshwater systems has become a significant environmental problem, especially in developing areas where waste management systems are not as effective. The present study aims to explore the effect of plastic leakage into the aquatic environment of Saran district, Bihar on pollution sources, variations throughout the year, degradation of aquatic ecosystems and deterioration of water quality. The research method used in this study was descriptive and analytical research, which was based on secondary data obtained from scientific literature, environmental reports, government publications and institutional records. The results show that household waste is responsible for 35% of the total plastic leakage and municipal drainage (28%) and commercial waste (18%). Plastic film made up 38% whilst fragments accounted for 24% of the pollutants. Seasonal analysis revealed that season of monsoon was the most polluted season because of runoff and floods that occurred. The study also noted higher levels of turbidity, higher BOD and COD levels, lower dissolved oxygen, loss of biodiversity, and micro-plastic pollution in water bodies