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Severe microplastic pollution risks in urban freshwater system post-landfill fire: A case study from Brahmapuram, India
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Researchers documented a dramatic increase in microplastic pollution in freshwater systems near the Brahmapuram landfill in Kochi, India, following a major landfill fire. Post-fire surface water samples showed microplastic concentrations nearly doubling compared to pre-fire levels. The study demonstrates that landfill fires can rapidly release large quantities of microplastics into surrounding urban waterways, creating acute pollution events.
To investigate the escalating issue of microplastic (MP), pollution in urban water bodies, this study focuses on the aftermath of the Brahmapuram landfill fire in Kochi, India, analyzing its impact on MP concentrations in nearby freshwater system. The study conducted sampling sessions at the landfill site immediately before and after the fire. Post-fire, findings demonstrated a substantial increase in MP concentrations in surface waters, with levels rising from an average 25793.33 to 44863.33 particles/m³, featuring a notable presence of larger, predominantly black MPs. Sediment samples showed no significant change in MP count, but there was a significant increase in mass concentration. SEM/EDS analysis revealed changes in surface morphology and elemental composition, suggesting thermal degradation. Risk assessment using the Microplastic Pollution Index (MPI) and Risk Quotient (RQ) methods indicated heightened MP pollution risk in surface water post-fire. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the landfill's proximity as a significant factor influencing MP characteristics in the aquatic system. The study highlights the escalated challenge of MP pollution in urban water bodies following environmental disasters like landfill fires, underscoring the urgent need for policy and environmental management strategies.
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Groundwater quality deterioration from chemical and microplastic pollution at the Brahmapuram landfill in Kerala, India
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Researchers evaluated groundwater quality near the Brahmapuram landfill in Kerala, India, following a major fire, finding 261 microplastic particles dominated by fibers across a size range of 361.5-5,945.7 µm, with six polymer types identified by Raman spectroscopy including PE, PP, PET, PS, polyesters, and polyamides, and chemistry dominated by landfill leachate influence.
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Researchers analyzed microplastic distribution in surface water and sediments of the Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar-designated wetland in Chennai, India, finding significant contamination in this ecologically sensitive freshwater ecosystem that serves as an important urban biodiversity hotspot.
Microplastics, their abundance, and distribution in water and sediments in North Chennai, India: An assessment of pollution risk and human health impacts
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Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution in water and sediment samples from North Chennai, India, finding contamination at all sampling sites. Landfills, densely populated areas, and tourist spots had the highest concentrations, with pollution risk levels ranging from low to extremely high. The presence of microplastics in lake water used for drinking purposes is a concern for human health in the region.
Micro-plastics in the Vicinity of an Urban Solid Waste Management Facility in India: Assessment and Policy Implications
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination near an open waste dumping site in Kochi, India, finding an average of 100 microplastic pieces per 100 g of river sediment and 178 pieces per 100 g of topsoil, with polyethylene the dominant polymer type identified via ATR-FTIR analysis, confirming that unscientific solid waste disposal significantly elevates riverine microplastic pollution.
Exploring the abundance of microplastics in Indian landfill leachate: An analytical study
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Researchers analyzed microplastics in leachate from two major landfills in India and found concentrations of 1,473 to 2,067 particles per liter, with most particles smaller than 100 micrometers. Polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, and PVC were the most common plastic types identified. Since landfill leachate can seep into groundwater and nearby water bodies, these findings raise concerns about microplastic contamination of drinking water sources near dump sites.
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