We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigation of microplastic pollution index in the urban surface water: A case study in west Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in surface water and water treatment plants in the West Godavari region of India, with common types including polypropylene and PVC. Risk assessments showed that the type of plastic polymer poses a greater health risk than the amount of microplastics present. The study estimated daily, annual, and lifetime intake levels for people using these water sources.
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental issue because of their widespread prevalence and their long-term effects on ecosystems and human health. Global studies have identified MPs in various aquatic environments, such as lake, rivers, estuaries, wastewater, and oceans. Although most MPs originate from urban surface water sources, the specific intensity, characteristics, and associated risk assessments remain unclear. This study focuses on west Godavari region of India, specifically analyzing MPs in surface water samples Godavari River and two water treatment plants (WTPs). A total of 330 MPs found in the surface water and 121 MPs in theWTP. In surface water, MPs were predominantly blue and transparent fibers, with the majority measuring less than 500 μm in size. Conversely, at the WTP, larger MPs, primarily in blue fiber form and exceeding 3000 μm, were observed. Additionally, μ-Raman spectroscopy analysis identified the presence of various polymers, including PP, PVC, PC, Nylon, and PET, among others. The risks associated with MPs, including their concentration and chemical composition, were assessed across all sample types using various indices such as Contamination Factor (CFi), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Polymer Risk Index (H), Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), and Estimated Intake (EI) (daily, annually, and lifetime). The risk assessment revealed that the type of polymer poses a greater risk of MP pollution than the concentrations of MPs themselves. These findings provide critical insights into MP contamination patterns and risks, emphasizing the need for targeted mitigation strategies in this region.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, quantification and characterisation of microplastics in Godavari River, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in the Godavari River in India, finding an average of 3.9 particles per liter across six sites, with fibers making up over 80% of particles and polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymer types. Urban areas had higher concentrations, and the presence of these plastics in a major river system poses risks to agriculture and human health through contaminated water and food sources.
First evidence of microplastics in surface water of urban waterbodies in Bhopal city, India- abundance and their characteristics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastics in surface water of urban waterbodies in Bhopal, India, characterizing particle abundance, morphology, and polymer composition across multiple sites and identifying nearby plastic waste disposal as the primary source.
Microplastic prevalence and human exposure in the bottled drinking water in the west Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh, India
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of nine bottled water brands in India found an average of about 2.9 microplastic particles per liter, mostly fibers made of polypropylene and PET plastic. Children face higher daily exposure relative to their body weight than adults, and lifetime intake estimates suggest significant cumulative exposure through bottled water alone -- underscoring the importance of understanding microplastics in drinking water sources.
Human health risk perspective study on characterization, quantification and spatial distribution of microplastics in surface water, groundwater and coastal sediments of thickly populated Chennai coast of South India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastics in surface water, groundwater, and coastal sediments along Chennai's densely populated coast in South India, finding widespread contamination with fibers as the dominant shape and identifying urban proximity as a key factor in microplastic abundance.
Hazardous microplastic characteristics and its role as a vector of heavy metal in groundwater and surface water of coastal south India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first baseline study of microplastics in groundwater and surface water along coastal south India and tested how different plastic polymers absorb heavy metals. They found microplastics at concentrations up to 19.9 particles per liter, with polypropylene showing the highest capacity to adsorb toxic metals like cadmium and manganese. The findings suggest microplastics may act as significant carriers of heavy metals through water systems, raising concerns about contamination of drinking water sources.
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.