We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Inter riverine variability in microplastic distribution among two tropical rivers – Chalakudy and Periyar, Southwest India
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic particles (mostly smaller than a human hair's width) contaminating two major rivers in India, largely from packaging waste, fishing gear, and shipping activity. These rivers are sources of drinking water and support fish populations people eat, so this plastic pollution could work its way into our food and water supply, raising concerns about long-term health effects that scientists are still studying. The findings highlight that microplastic pollution is widespread regardless of how the surrounding land is used, suggesting this is a broad, systemic problem rather than an isolated one.
The study intends to bridge the lack of baseline information on microplastic (MPs) contamination in two river systems (Periyar: the longest river, lifeline of the Kerala State and Chalakudy: the fifth longest river) and hence is highly relevant. Sampling was carried out twice during December 2020 and January 2021. Elevated level of contamination was recorded at midstream sites in Chalakudy and downstream sites at Periyar. Small-sized particles (<100 µm) constituted the majority (>45%) in both river systems resulting from the disintegration of larger particles or direct release of primary MPs. Prevalence of fragment shape, accounting for ≈48–71% across all sites in both rivers, resulted from the disintegration of meso or macro plastics. Preponderance of blue-coloured particles (≈33–67%) inferred potential risk to aquatic organisms. Low-density polyethylene emerged as the dominant polymer group, originated from packaging materials and bottles. Overall abundance and recovery rate in both rivers indicate that MPs occur at all sites, irrespective of land use patterns, sourced to the degradation of abandoned fishing gears, shipping, tourism activities, and untreated waste disposal. The high risk of microplastic pollution in the study area was endorsed by polymer hazard index and coefficient of microplastic impact index.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics Accumulation And Distribution In The Surface Water And Sediment Of The Kosasthalaiyar River, Tamil Nadu, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were surveyed across water and sediment of Chennai's Kosasthalaiyar River, with highest concentrations found near Buckingham Canal discharge and the Ennore estuary, and FTIR confirming polyethylene, PVC, PET, polypropylene, and nylon fibers as dominant polymers. The study identifies sewage discharge and anthropogenic activity zones as primary MP entry points, demonstrating that inadequate urban waste infrastructure directly drives microplastic loading into coastal marine environments.
Abundance, distribution and characterization of microplastics in Tropical River Estuary, South East Coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled water and sediment across seven sites along the Palar River estuary in southeast India, finding that fiber-shaped high-density polyethylene microplastics dominate, likely originating from fishing gear and industrial discharge. The study establishes a contamination baseline for a multi-source river system, highlighting how riverine environments serve as highways transporting plastic pollution from inland industrial and agricultural sources into coastal marine ecosystems.
Microplastic Contamination in Kollidam River Estuary, East Coast of India: A Comparative Study Across Inner, Outer and Mangrove Estuarine Regions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination across inner, outer, and mangrove zones of the Kollidam River estuary on India's east coast, finding polypropylene and polyethylene as dominant polymers and identifying mangrove regions as significant sinks for MP accumulation. The designation of mangroves as MP hotspots is ecologically important because these coastal nursery habitats support fisheries and biodiversity, meaning plastic accumulation there can enter food webs that ultimately reach human consumers.
Microplastics pollution in the rivers, its source, and impact on aquatic life: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed global evidence of microplastic contamination in rivers and lakes, finding that plastic particles serve as carriers for toxic chemicals, harm aquatic life through ingestion and entanglement, and enter human food and water supplies, while also exploring plant-based plastic alternatives that could reduce future pollution.
Microplastic Pollution in Freshwater Sediments: Abundance and Distribution in Selangor River Basin, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled 25 sites along the Selangor River Basin in Malaysia and found microplastics in every sediment sample, with concentrations of 10–55 particles/kg dominated by small black polypropylene and polyester beads from residential, agricultural, and industrial sources. The findings confirm that freshwater river basins are significant reservoirs of microplastic pollution, highlighting the need for monitoring and mitigation beyond ocean-focused research.
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.