FTIR Spectroscopic Characterization And Identification Of Microplastics In Water Samples From Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam, Kerala FTIR Spectroscopic Characterization And Identification Of Microplastics In Water Samples From Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam, Kerala

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles under 5 mm, have garnered significant attention over the past 45 years, particularly in marine environments (Bergmann et al., 2015; Carpenter et al., 1972). Recently, research has expanded to freshwater systems, revealing their pervasive nature across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments (Dris et al., 2015; Wagner and Lambert, 2018).MPs enter ecosystems either as primary MPs or as secondary MPs from the degradation of larger plastics. Major sources include plastic waste from households and industries, which can enter waterways directly or indirectly. This accumulation leads to detrimental effects on aquatic life (Merlin Issac & Kandasubramanian, 2021). Notably, fluvial systems are crucial pathways for transporting MPs from terrestrial sources to oceans, with studies indicating that rivers in Asia, particularly the Ganges, contribute significantly to ocean plastic pollution (Lebreton et al., 2017; Napper et al., 2021). Research indicates a wide range of MP concentrations in European rivers, from 0.03 to 187,000 particles per cubic meter, with diverse forms such as fibers, fragments, and spheres being identified (Heß et al., 2018; Leslie et al., 2017). In India, inadequate waste management and high population density contribute to elevated MP levels in freshwater systems, with the Ganges potentially releasing billions of MPs daily into the Indian Ocean (Napper et al., 2021).MPs pose risks not only to aquatic organisms through ingestion but also raise concerns about human health via the food web (Arthur et al., 2008; Andrady, 2011). Their physical characteristics can influence their behavior in aquatic environments, with studies exploring the analogy of plastic as sediment, indicating that MPs may behave similarly to natural sediment particles (Enders et al., 2019; Kane and Clare, 2019).Despite growing awareness, research on MPs in freshwater environments remains limited compared to marine studies. Understanding the fate of MPs, alongside their ecological impacts, is critical for effective management and mitigation strategies to combat plastic pollution in all ecosystems.