We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Microplastics in the Surface Waters and Freshwater Fish from Four Important Lakes in Pune, India
AI summary Read the abstract
A survey of four Pune, India lakes found microplastic contamination in all surface water samples and in commercially harvested Tilapia fish, with PE, PP, PS, and PET polymers detected and estimated daily intake and cancer risk indices calculated for human consumers. The detection of MPs in edible fish from urban drinking water reservoirs directly links environmental microplastic contamination to human dietary exposure, reinforcing the need for monitoring in densely populated regions with limited clean water alternatives.
Freshwater ecosystems, especially lakes, constitute vital reservoirs of potable water, irrigation resources, and aquaculture habitats. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater lakes of densely populated metropolitan regions in the Indian Subcontinent. In this study, we have investigated the qualitative and quantitative attributes of MPs in the surface waters of four important lakes in Pune, India: (i) Kasarsai, (ii) Pashan, (iii) Manas, and (iv) Mastani. Our analyses revealed prevalent contamination across all four lakes, with Kasarsai lake exhibiting the highest mean MPs abundance of 14.03 ± 5.41 particles/L. Primary morphotype of MPs detected in the water samples were fibres and the dominant size was between 100 µm to 1000 µm. Additionally, in terms of colour, transparent microplastics were prominent. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the main types of MPs present in water samples. Furthermore, we assessed the abundance of MPs ingested by commercially available edible fish Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, collected from these lakes. We observed maximum ingestion of MPs in the fish from Kasarsai lake, which was 2.8 ± 2.9 particles per individual fish. To evaluate the possible health risks on humans, Estimated Daily intake (EDI) and Microplastics Cancer Risk (MPCR) index were determined for adults and children. EDI of PP was highest for Kasarsai and Manas lake, while, EDI of PE was predominant for Pashan and Mastani lake. For all four lakes, the MPCR index of PE was highest in both adults and children, with the maximum reaching to 0.52 for children consuming water from Pashan lake. Our findings raise concerns about the potential negative effects of MPs on freshwater ecosystem and the health of humans consuming the water and fish from such lakes. An ambitious strategy involving the collective efforts of the general public is required to address this hazard.
More Papers Like This
Assessing Microplastic Pollution in Indian Lake Ecosystems: A Mini Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This mini-review synthesizes findings from the 12 Indian lakes studied for microplastic contamination since the field's 2017 inception in the country, examining contamination levels, methodologies, and pollution sources across surface water, sediments, and biota. Freshwater lakes are critically understudied relative to marine environments, and the lack of standardized methods across studies makes cross-comparison difficult—limiting effective policy responses.
Quantification and Characterization of Microplastics in Kanke Lake, a Freshwater System of Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic particles smaller than 5mm were found contaminating Kanke Lake, a freshwater system in Jharkhand, India, signaling degradation of water quality in a region where freshwater resources are already under pressure. The study underscores how emerging plastic contaminants are reaching inland water bodies that communities depend on for daily use.
Occurrence and Effects of Microplastics in Lake Ecosystems: Particular Focus on Migration in Water and Food Chains
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes findings on microplastic occurrence, sources, and ecological effects in lake ecosystems worldwide, with a focus on how microplastics migrate through water columns and accumulate across aquatic food chains. Lakes are critical freshwater resources for drinking water and fisheries, making the documented bioaccumulation and toxicity of microplastics in lake food webs a direct public health concern.
Current State of Research on the Prevalence of Microplastics in Aquatic Fish and Their Impact on Health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in fish across all seven continents, finding marine fish were studied 2.6 times more than freshwater species, and that microplastics trigger oxidative stress, alter biochemical pathways, and accumulate through biotransformation in fish tissues globally.
Microplastic Contamination of the Aquatic Environment in the Indian Scenario: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed microplastic distribution and ecological risk across India's aquatic environments, finding polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET as the dominant polymers in water, sediment, and fish — including edible species — with contamination detected even in remote Himalayan locations.
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.