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Urban drainage channels as a pathway for microplastics in riverine systems: A case study of Delhi, India
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Researchers measured microplastics in Delhi's Najafgarh drain, secondary drains, and the Yamuna River, finding concentrations of 100-6,700 particles per cubic meter in secondary drains with clear seasonal variation. Urban drainage channels were identified as a major pathway for microplastics from terrestrial sources into the Yamuna River system.
ABSTRACT Urban drainage channels act as significant routers of microplastics (MPs) originating from terrestrial to aquatic systems. In the present study, contamination of MPs (250–5,000 μm size) has been investigated in an interlinked urban aquatic system comprising Najafgarh drain, corresponding secondary drains, and Yamuna River in Delhi, India. A range of 100–4,300 MPs/m3 (pre-monsoon) and 100–6,700 MPs/m3 (post-monsoon) were detected in secondary drains, which meet the Najafgarh drain through its course in the city. Najafgarh drain showed an average abundance of 771 and 343 MPs/m3 during pre- and post-monsoon season, respectively. The discharge of MP-laden wastewater from the Najafgarh drain into the Yamuna River created a rise in MP abundance in the river at the drain’s downstream location. Thus, revealing that secondary drains play a significant role in MP channelization to the Najafgarh drain and subsequently Yamuna River. White MP fragments were dominating in the study area. Chemical characterization revealed 11 types of MP polymers, with a predominance of polyethylene. Considering the knowledge gap in MP database of interconnected urban aquatic systems in India, this study might help in providing baseline information and encourage more studies addressing the magnitude of this problem for predicting long-term environmental risks.
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Investigations on the co-occurrence of microplastics and other pollutants in the River Yamuna, Delhi
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Researchers found increasing microplastic concentrations along the Yamuna River in Delhi, with levels rising from 500 MP/m3 upstream to 3,900 MP/m3 downstream near major drain outfalls, alongside elevated heavy metal and fecal coliform contamination.
Multifaceted analysis of microplastic pollution dynamics in the Yamuna river: Assessing anthropogenic impacts and ecological consequences
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution across 29 locations along the Yamuna River in India, spanning urban, rural, and industrial zones. They found an average of nearly 15,000 microplastic particles per liter, with hazardous polymers like PET and nylon being most common and concentrations highest near urban and industrial areas. The study highlights that the Yamuna is heavily contaminated with microplastics and that population density and industrial activity are major drivers of this pollution.
Sources and factors influencing microplastic concentration during monsoon season in the Ganga River, Bihar, India
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Researchers investigated sources and factors influencing microplastic concentrations in the Ganga River during monsoon season, finding that untreated residential and industrial waste from major Indian cities contributes significantly to contamination of one of the world's most biodiverse rivers.
Sources and Factors Influencing Microplastic Concentration during Monsoon Season in Ganga River, Bihar, India
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Researchers investigated sources and factors influencing microplastic concentrations in the Ganga River in Bihar, India during the monsoon season, examining how untreated residential and industrial waste discharge and traffic-related runoff affect plastic particle loads in one of the world's most biodiverse river systems. The study found elevated microplastic concentrations during monsoon flows, with urbanization and inadequate waste management identified as key drivers of microplastic inputs to the river.
Abundance, Distribution and Drivers of Microplastic Contaminant in Urban River Environments
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Researchers surveyed microplastic distribution in urban river environments and identified key drivers of accumulation hotspots, finding that land use, hydrology, and infrastructure factors concentrated microplastics at predictable locations that could inform targeted management interventions.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.