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Characteristics of microplastics in tributaries of the upper Brahmaputra River along the Himalayan foothills, India
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in surface water and riparian soil near two rural rivers in the Eastern Himalaya foothills of India, finding average water concentrations of 0.14 pieces per cubic meter and soil concentrations of 633 pieces per kilogram dry weight. Fibers were the dominant type, and Micro-Raman spectroscopy identified common synthetic polymer types.
Abstract Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global concern, yet its presence in riverine environments has received limited research attention. This study aimed to evaluate MP levels and identify their potential sources in river surface water and nearby soil samples from two rural and remote rivers near the Jaldapara National Park in the foothills of Eastern Himalaya of India. The average MP levels in water and soil samples were 0.14 ± 0.11 pieces m −3 and 633.33 ± 124.72 pieces/kg d.w. respectively. The primary types of microplastics detected were fibres, followed by fragments, and films. MP sizes in water were larger than in soil samples. Blue, black, and red MPs were most abundant. Micro-Raman analysis revealed polyethylene was the dominant polymer type, followed by nylon, and polypropylene. Comparatively, pollution levels in the study area were relatively low when compared to other rivers worldwide. Understanding the sources and characteristics of microplastics are vital in formulating effective mitigation strategies and promoting responsible waste management practices. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, environmentalists, and indigenous communities to implement measures that can lead to curbing of plastic use and safeguard vulnerable riverine ecosystems from adverse impacts of MP pollution.
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