We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characterization and Quantification of Microplastics in Surface Water of Shitalakshya River, Bangladesh
Summary
Researchers characterized and quantified microplastics in surface water samples from the Shitalakshya River in Bangladesh, finding an average concentration of 1.52 particles per liter. Fibers made up over 68% of particles found, with black being the most common color and polyethylene the dominant polymer type. The findings indicate that this industrial-area river is becoming increasingly contaminated with microplastics, posing ecological risks to the urban river ecosystem.
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern due to their omni-presence and remarkable durability. The Shitalakshya river, located in the vicinity of industrial areas, faces a significant threat of MPs pollution, which may, in turn, disrupt the ecological balance and human health. In this study, surface water samples (W1-W10) were collected from the Shitalakshya river for the total counting of MPs with their morphological characterization by stereomicroscope. Chemical identification of MPs was carried out using ATR-FTIR technique and the obtained spectra were compared with the IR library. A total of 381 particles were counted and the abundance of MPs was 0.28 to 2.44 particles/L (average 1.524 particles/L). Examining shapes and colors, a maximum of 68.24% of MPs were fibers and 28.10% of black in color. Regarding particle size, MPs with 0-250 μm were most prevalent in surface water, constituting 56.43% of the total. The findings indicate that the predominant MPs were polyethylene (PE) and other MPs such as polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), etc. These results indicate that the Shitalakshya river is becoming contaminated by MPs and the pollution poses a risk to organisms in the urban river ecosystem, highlighting the need for immediate attention and corrective measures. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 73(1): 57-66, 2025 (January)
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Evaluating the sources of microplastic contamination and quantifying its abundance in the Balu River, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Researchers investigated the sources and abundance of microplastic contamination in the Balu River in Dhaka, Bangladesh. They found that textile and industrial waste were major contributors to microplastic pollution, with fibers being the most common type detected in surface water samples. The study provides baseline data on river microplastic contamination in a densely populated urban area and calls for better waste management practices.
Microplastic pollution in two industrial locations of the Karnaphuli River, Bangladesh: insights on abundance, types, and characteristics
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in surface water at two industrial sites along the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, finding significant contamination with fibers being the most common type. The study suggests that industrial activity is a major contributor to microplastic pollution in this river system, with polymer types and concentrations varying between the two locations.
Microplastics in Sitalakhya River: Distribution and Properties Across Land Uses in Dhaka's Peripheral Waterway
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the water and bed sediments of the Sitalakhya River on the periphery of Dhaka city, sampling four locations representing commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural land uses and finding microplastic abundances ranging from 20 to 412 items/kg in sediment and 3 to 38 items/100L in water. The study found that land use type significantly influenced both the abundance and physical characteristics of microplastics, with industrial zones exhibiting the highest contamination levels.
Pervasiveness and characteristics of microplastics in surface water and sediment of the Buriganga River, Bangladesh
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the Buriganga River in Bangladesh, finding concentrations of 4.33 to 43.67 items per liter in surface water, with fibers and fragments as dominant types linked to textile industries and urban waste discharge in the Dhaka megacity.
Characterization and spatial distribution of microplastics in Surma river, Bangladesh: Assessing water and sediment dynamics
Researchers characterized the abundance, distribution, and types of microplastics in the water and sediments of the Surma River in Bangladesh. They found widespread microplastic contamination, with fibers being the dominant particle shape, linked to nearby textile and urban sources. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution in a major South Asian river system and highlights the need for mitigation strategies.