Investigation of microplastic pollution index in the urban surface water: A case study in west Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India

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.