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Hidden Pollution in Irrigation Systems: Microplastics in Surface and Groundwater of the Pazhayar River Basin, South India
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Scientists tested water from rivers and wells in a farming region of southern India and found tiny plastic bits (mostly from packaging and textiles) in every single sample, with more pollution near cities and in surface water than underground. Since this water is used for both crops and drinking, the findings raise concerns about microplastics entering our food and water supply, and highlight the need for better plastic waste management before it reaches our taps and fields.
Microplastic (MP) contamination from anthropogenic sources has been repeatedly proposed as an environmental threat based on its possible ecological and human health impacts, due to its persistent nature. The research aimed to explore the occurrence, distribution, characteristics and polymer composition of microplastics at the groundwater and surface water level of Pazhayar River basin, Kanyakumari District. Fifty-two water samples (35 groundwater and 17 surface water) were collected and analyzed by means of wet peroxide oxidation, vacuum filtration, stereomicroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. All locations where sampling was conducted contained detected microplastics, noting higher abundances in surface waters than groundwater — a record of anthropogenic signals. Morphologically, fibres predominated; and polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the dominant polymers detected. Higher microplastic levels were again reported for urbanized areas such as around Nagercoil and Suchindram, suggesting the impact of population density and effluent discharge. Our findings reveal the extent of microplastic pollution across coastal ecosystems in southern Tamil Nadu and indicate a pressing need for ongoing monitoring, enhanced plastic waste management measures and more efficient water resource protection strategies.
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Hidden Pollution in Irrigation Systems: Microplastics in Surface and Groundwater of the Pazhayar River Basin, South India
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested water from rivers and wells in a farming region of South India and found tiny plastic bits called microplastics in every single sample, with more found in surface water than underground water. These plastics, mostly tiny fibers from common plastics like polypropylene and polyethylene, were even more concentrated near crowded towns, raising concerns since this water is used for drinking and irrigating crops that end up on our plates. The findings highlight why better plastic waste management and water monitoring matter for protecting both the environment and the food and water we consume.
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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.
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Scientists tested water from a heavily polluted drainage canal in Lahore, Pakistan, and found extremely high levels of microplastics, tiny plastic fragments and fibers, at every single site they checked, with concentrations far exceeding those found in most rivers and lakes worldwide. Since this contaminated water eventually flows into the Ravi River, a major source of drinking and irrigation water downstream, this pollution could end up in food and water supplies, highlighting an urgent need for better waste management and plastic pollution controls in urban areas.
Geospatial analysis and environmental risk assessment of microplastic (MP) pollution in hydro-environment of the Morwa River Catchment area, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Scientists studying a river system in India found tiny plastic particles (mostly a common plastic called polyethylene) not just in surface water, but also in groundwater—the water source many people rely on for drinking. This matters because groundwater is often assumed to be naturally filtered and safe, so finding microplastics there suggests our drinking water sources may be more vulnerable to plastic contamination than we thought. The researchers also suggest safer, biodegradable plastic alternatives that could help reduce this kind of pollution going forward.
Microplastic Contamination in Agricultural Soils Across India: A Systematic Review of Studies and Research Gaps
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This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in agricultural soils across India, an area that has received far less attention than waterways. The research identifies polluted irrigation water, industrial discharge, and plastic mulch as key contamination sources, raising concerns about microplastics entering the food supply through crops grown in contaminated soil.
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