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A comprehensive assessment of macro and microplastics from Rivers Ganga and Yamuna: Unveiling the seasonal, spatial and risk factors
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This study provides the first comprehensive look at plastic pollution in India's Ganga and Yamuna rivers, finding microplastics in surface water, deeper water, and sediments at all sampling locations. Contamination was higher during the wet season, and some of the polymers found are classified as hazardous. The millions of people living in the Indo-Gangetic Plain may be at risk from both direct water contact and indirect exposure through the food chain.
There have been growing apprehensions and concerns regarding the increasing presence of plastic pollutants in the holiest river of India, the Ganga, and its major tributary, Yamuna. In response to this issue, the current study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the seasonal and spatial distribution of macro to microplastics (MPs) in the surface water, water column, and sediments from the River Ganga and Yamuna. MP samples were collected from various points of these Rivers, including upstream, downstream, and drainage points around the vicinity of Haridwar, Agra, Prayagraj, and Patna cities. With a significant seasonal variation, the estimated MPs and plastic flux were higher during the wet season than during the dry season. MPs sized 300 µm-1 mm and fibre-shaped blue and black colored MPs were pre-dominant in both rivers. Polyacrylamide, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride were the most ascertained polymers. MPs including hazardous polymers (hazard score >1000) may pose a risk to the population of Indo-Gangetic Plain via direct and indirect exposure to MPs. The information provided in this study could serve as a starting point for the action plan required by municipal corporations to mitigate plastic pollution and target the possible sources at each location.
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Researchers quantified microplastics at 19 sites across the upper Himalayan Ganga River over six months, finding concentrations of 100–1,550 particles per liter in water and rising contamination levels downstream toward densely populated cities, with fibers, polyethylene, and post-monsoon conditions dominating the pollution profile.
Insights into the seasonal variation, distribution, composition and dynamics of microplastics in the Ganga River ecosystem of Varanasi City, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Researchers measured microplastic pollution in the Ganga River in Varanasi, India, and found contamination in both water and sediment samples across all seasons. Concentrations were higher after the monsoon season, with common plastics like polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and PVC dominating the samples. Since the Ganga is used for drinking water, bathing, and agriculture by millions of people, this contamination raises direct concerns about human exposure to microplastics.
Comprehensive Review on Microplastic Pollution in Inland Waters of India
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This comprehensive review examines microplastic pollution in India's inland freshwater systems, including major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. The study highlights that rapid industrialization, urbanization, and poor waste management have led to significant contamination from diverse sources including industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff, with potential consequences for aquatic organisms and human health through bioaccumulation in food chains.
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.
Microplastics pollution in inland aquatic ecosystems of India with a global perspective on sources, composition, and spatial distribution
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Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in India's rivers, lakes, and wetlands, finding widespread pollution across water, sediment, and wildlife, with concentrations peaking during monsoon season due to runoff. The review highlights a critical gap: most studies don't account for how water flow and seasonal variation affect where microplastics go, making it hard to gauge the true health risk to people and ecosystems.
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