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Microplastic Contamination in Aquatic Biota: a Comparative Study of Fish Species from the Ganga and Gomti Rivers
Summary
Scientists found tiny plastic fibers, mostly from packaging, clothing, and household items, in the gills and guts of fish from India's Ganga and Gomti rivers, with some fish species absorbing more than others. Since these fish are commonly eaten, this suggests people may be unknowingly consuming microplastics through their diet, and the study found some of these plastics carry metals and pose real risks to aquatic life, highlighting the need for better plastic waste management to protect both ecosystems and the food supply.
Microplastic pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Understanding origin and distribution of microplastics in freshwater systems is essential for effective ecosystem management. This study investigated the concentration of different microplastics in river systems by analyzing five fish species collected from the Gomti River in Lucknow and the Ganga River in Kanpur, compares gut versus gill burden to decipher the main exposure pathway. Among these species, Mystus tengara was found in both rivers. To determine microplastics concentration in gills and gut samples were digested for analysis. The physical parameters, shapes, and colors of the microplastics showed a dominance of fibers and the color blue, respectively. Mystus tengara and Eutropiichthys vacha were the two fish species that exhibited higher rates of microplastic consumption. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that the plastic fragments matched commonly used materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), likely linked to human activities like packaging, clothing, and household goods. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) was utilized to observe the surface textures of the microplastics, which included flakes, fractures, grooves, and pits. EDS analysis also highlighted the presence of various metals on the surface of microplastics. The hazard index associated with the characterized polymers—PE, PP, PET, polystyrene (PS), and PVC—indicates a range of potential threats to aquatic life, from minor to extreme danger. This study underscores the urgent need to address microplastic pollution through improved waste management, stricter regulations on plastic disposal, and enhanced public education.