We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
An Evaluation of Microplastics Contamination in Narayani River
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the Narayani River, one of Nepal's major drainage systems, collecting surface water samples from five locations spanning seven kilometers from upstream of a cremation site to downstream of a landfill, and extracting MPs using NOAA-referenced protocols.
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the growing challenges due to their relatively low production cost, unique physiochemical properties, ease in access, and little or no alternatives to its use and its use are not only limited to domestic, institutional, and industrial purpose. This study is conducted to examine the micro plastics (MPs) contamination in the Narayani River - one of the major drainage systems of Nepal. The water samples from the Narayani River were taken from five different locations in the first half of June 2023 covering around seven kilometers (km) of river stretch starting from the upstream of Devghat cremation site, to the downstream near the landfill site. Micro plastics extraction from surface water was be performed with reference to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and criteria described by (Hidalgo-Ruz et al., 2012) was followed to identify micro plastics. In addition, hot needle tests were conducted to confirm whether the suspected particles were plastic or non-plastic. Results indicate, five different types of MPs namely, fiber, pellet, film, foam and fragment. A total number of 81 particles throughout the surface water samples of Narayani River. On average 0.53 particle per liter of fibers were found followed by film, fragments, foam and pallets with value of 0.16, 0.08, 0.03 and 0.01 particle per liters respectively. Lack of awareness, inefficient waste management, and municipal solid waste dumping together with increased urbanization were some of the major contributors to the MPs pollution in Narayani River.
More Papers Like This
Distribution of microplastic contamination in Sapta-Gandaki river system, Nepal
AI summary Read the abstract
A 120-sample survey of Nepal's Sapta-Gandaki river spanning 2,850 to 140 meters above sea level found average microplastic concentrations of 61 particles/L pre-monsoon and 25 particles/L post-monsoon, with counts increasing downstream and an estimated annual flux of 0.7 × 10⁸ microplastics per second. This first baseline characterization of a major Himalayan transboundary river reveals that microplastic pollution extends even to high-altitude headstreams, raising concerns about contamination of drinking water sources across South Asia.
Assessment of microplastic contamination in the Karnali River: A baseline study in remote region of western Nepal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed 16 sites along the Karnali River in remote western Nepal and found microplastics at every location, with fiber-shaped particles making up 94% of what they detected — suggesting that even rivers far from cities are not protected from plastic pollution. The findings call for urgent long-term monitoring across Nepal's freshwater systems, most of which have never been studied for microplastic contamination.
Chemical Characterization and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in the Surface Water of the Arun River Basin, Central Himalaya, Nepal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics at all 14 sampling sites across the Arun River in Nepal's central Himalayas, finding average concentrations of 30 particles per liter with elevated levels near cropland and construction zones, and identifying polyethylene and PET as the dominant polymer types.
Distribution of Microplastic Contamination in Sapta-Gandaki River System, Nepal
AI summary Read the abstract
This study documented the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in Nepal's Sapta-Gandaki River — the country's second largest river — from its Himalayan headwaters to the lowland plains. The research addresses a significant gap in data quality for Himalayan transboundary rivers and shows that microplastic contamination reaches even remote high-altitude freshwater systems.
Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in the Surface water of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu Valley
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination across 15 sites along the Bagmati River in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, finding concentrations up to 129 MP per liter with fibers (94%) and polyethylene dominating, and significantly higher concentrations in midstream and downstream zones influenced by urban wastewater and solid waste.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.