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First Evidence of Microplastics' Presence in Surface Water and Fishes of Bhoj Wetland (Ramsar Site).
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in the water and fish of a wetland in India, with higher levels during dry seasons when there's less water to dilute pollution from sewage and tourism. The fish that people commonly eat contained these plastic pieces in their bodies, mostly from broken-down fishing gear and plastic trash. This matters because when we eat contaminated fish, we might also be consuming these microplastics, though more research is needed to understand the full health effects.
In Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal, the presence of microplastics (MPs) in fish and water was investigated in both wet and dry seasons. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 10 ± 4 to 19 ± 4 items L-1 during the dry season and 8 ± 1 to 15 ± 8 items L-1 during the wet season. Among fish species, Wallago attu and tilapia showed average MP loads of 1.2 ± 1.10 and 0.8 ± 1.30 items per individual, respectively. Due to sewage, hospital waste, and tourism, higher MP levels were discovered during the dry season, particularly along Sultania Road (L1) and Masjid Lal Imli (U3). MP presence was quite low in central lake zones. Among the various shapes identified, fibers emerged as the dominant type in both aquatic samples and fish tissues. Wallago attu and tilapia showed the highest MP content, mostly made of polyethylene (PE). The predominance of black and transparent microplastic particles suggests their probable origin from degraded fishing equipment and general plastic litter. Seasonal changes influenced MP levels, with higher amounts in dry months due to less water flow and dilution. The study highlights the impact of human activities and the need for better pollution control.
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Preliminary investigations on the occurrence and risk assessment of microplastics in the Bhoj wetland: a Ramsar site in Bhopal, Central India
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in a protected wetland in Central India, finding 2.4 to 6.6 particles per liter of water. The microplastics, mainly polyethylene and polypropylene, likely came from tourist activities and nearby sewage treatment plants. While the current health risk was calculated as within acceptable levels, the study highlights that even protected wetland areas used for recreation and drinking water are not free from microplastic pollution.
Tracking microplastic contamination across seasons in a freshwater reservoir: Evidence from surface water, sediments, and fishes
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Scientists studying a drinking-water reservoir in India found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in the water, mud, and fish year-round, with levels shifting depending on rainy vs. dry seasons. These plastics carried harmful chemicals and heavy metals, and since fish from this reservoir are eaten and the water is used for drinking, this raises real concerns about how much plastic and toxic material people may be consuming without realizing it. The findings highlight the need for better water treatment and plastic waste management to protect public health.
Microplastic Contamination in the Ramsar-Designated Pallikaranai Wetland, Southern India
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits (from things like packaging, bottles, and synthetic fabrics) buried in the mud and water of a protected wetland in southern India, likely washed in from nearby cities' trash. While this study looked at the wetland itself rather than people, it matters because these wetlands filter water and support wildlife that's part of the food chain—so plastic pollution here can work its way up to the fish and water supplies humans depend on. The findings are a reminder that mismanaged waste doesn't just disappear; it accumulates in the ecosystems we rely on for clean water and food.
Microplastics abundance and potential ecological risk assessment in sediment, water and fish of Deepor Beel—a Ramsar Wetland of the Brahmaputra plain, India
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and commonly harvested fish at Deepor Beel, a Ramsar wetland in India. They found microplastics in all sample types, with fibers dominant in water and sediment while fragments were most common in fish tissues. The study identified multiple polymer types through micro-Raman spectroscopy and raises concerns about human exposure through consumption of contaminated fish from this ecologically important wetland.
Spatiotemporal microplastic occurrence study of Harike wetland, A Ramsar wetland of India
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This spatiotemporal study examined microplastic contamination in Harike wetland—the largest wetland in northern India and a Ramsar-designated site—across multiple seasons, sampling both surface water from the associated canal and gut contents of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Microplastic concentrations were significantly higher in winter than in summer or the rainy season, with HDPE and nylon dominating, and FTIR and GC-MS confirmed polymer identity. Microplastics were recovered from 7% of fish guts analyzed, indicating trophic transfer in this ecologically important and regionally water-supply-critical wetland.
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