Spatial distribution of microplastics in the sandynulla lake and parson valley lake in the reserve forest region: An environmental assessment.

The widespread existence of polymer waste in water environments spanning from macro to nanoplastic pieces presents a serious danger to ecosystems worldwide. This research inquiry into the presence and characteristics of pollutants in two lakes, Sandynulla Lake and Parsons Valley Lake, located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India. Despite being isolated and surrounded by nature, these lakes are not free from pollution. A total of 60 water samples were gathered. 30 from each lake. Using plankton nets to capture floating plastics. The samples were filtered through vacuum filtration, and microplastics were examined using a stereo zoom microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine polymer compositions. The results show that the average of 7.6 particles/L & 8.4 particles/L of polymer particles in parson valley lake and sandynulla lake respectively. The most commonly found polymers based on colour are white and irregular-shaped polymer debris in these lakes, followed by blue, red, green, and black, is mostly fibrous and irregular in shape. Polyethylene was identified as a dominant polymer variety, and it indicates microplastics from human activities on land. This contamination highlights the necessity for monitoring and strict waste management practices to safeguard these fragile high-altitude ecosystems. Statistical analysis with a one-way ANOVA confirmed differences in levels among various sampling locations. This study adds to the expanding body of knowledge on pollution in freshwater environments, stressing the impact of activities even in distant and conserved regions. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559190/document