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Seasonal Assessment and Treatment of Microfiber Pollution in Pampa-Triveni Region of the Pampa River
Summary
Researchers found that tiny plastic fibers from clothing (called microfibers) surged nearly 5-fold in India's Pampa River during a major religious pilgrimage, likely from increased laundry and human activity along the riverbanks—a concern since this water is used by local communities and these fibers can carry pollutants into the food and water chain. The good news: the team designed a low-cost, eco-friendly filter that removed up to 81% of these microfibers, offering a practical way to protect water quality during high-traffic events like festivals.
Microfibers are emerging pollutants and a subset of microplastics that are increasingly raising concern due to their persistence in freshwater ecosystems. Synthetic textile-derived fibers are primarily released into rivers and streams through domestic activities such as laundry. This study focuses on the Pampa River stretch known as Pampa Triveni, which experiences significant seasonal anthropogenic pressure during the Sabarimala pilgrimage, leading to potential deterioration in water quality. The objective of this study is to quantify microfiber concentrations before, during, and after the pilgrimage season and to analyze associated variations in water quality parameters. Water samples were collected following standard protocols and subjected to filtration, density separation, microscopic examination, and FTIR analysis for polymer confirmation. Results indicated a significant seasonal variation in microfiber abundance, increasing from 27 to 43 fibers per litre in the pre-pilgrimage period to 127 fibers per litre during the pilgrimage season. A partial reduction was observed post-season. A combined sustainable filtration system achieved a maximum microfiber removal efficiency of 81 percent. The filter, developed using eco-friendly and low-cost materials, effectively reduced both the number and size of microfibers, making it a sustainable solution for improving freshwater quality.