We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Seasonal influence on microplastics in the sediments of a non-perennial river - Noyyal, Tamil Nadu, India
AI summary Read the abstract
A seasonal survey of sediments in the Noyyal River in Tamil Nadu, India found microplastics in both monsoon and summer samples, with polystyrene the dominant polymer type in both seasons, but with distinct polymer mixes and particle forms between the two periods. Despite lower total particle loads in summer, the Polymer Hazard Index indicated that summer microplastics pose an extreme environmental risk, likely due to increased fragmentation and surface degradation from heat exposure. The study highlights how seasonal conditions — not just total abundance — shape the real-world hazard that microplastics pose to river ecosystems.
Microplastic (MP) is a contaminant presently causing a significant environmental risk. The present study aims to extract, measure, and classify MP in sediment samples from two seasons (monsoon and summer) in Noyyal River, South India. Microplastic was separated from sediments using the Sediment Microplastic Isolation technique. Microplastics were detected in four forms: foams, films, fragments, and fibres. Dominant polymer types during monsoon are Polystyrene (29%), Polycarbonate (13%), Nylon (13%), and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (13%). Throughout summer, Polystyrene (17%) was the prevalent polymer type, followed by Nylon (14%), Polycarbonate (11%), and Polyvinyl Chloride (9%). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) demonstrated that MPs exhibit diverse surface morphologies, including foamy, fibrous, and granular nature. It also shows tearing and fracturing of MPs and aging, indicating substantial summer degradation. Using Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Pollution Load Index (PLI), MP vulnerability in sediments indicates that despite lesser PLI, the MPs pose an extreme danger threat to the environment during the summer season compared to the monsoon. The study thus provides insight into the seasonal variation of MPs and their threat in Noyyal River sediments, which will aid in formulating guidelines for the minimization of MPs in river systems.
More Papers Like This
Seasonal Variations and Risk Assessment of Microplastics in the Riverine Sediments of the Western Ghats, A Heritage Site in Southern India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations and polymer composition in riverine sediments across different seasons and assessed the associated ecological risk. The study found seasonal variation in microplastic abundance and identified potential hazards from contaminated sediments.
Seasonal and spatial variations in the distribution pattern, sources and impacts of microplastics along different coastal zones of Tamil Nadu, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Surveys of four coastal zones in Tamil Nadu, India found microplastics in both sediments and water at all sites, with the highest concentrations during the monsoon season when river runoff carries more plastic waste into the ocean. The researchers identified 16–23 different polymer types per season and found that weathered particles were carrying hazardous heavy metals on their surfaces. The study provides one of the most detailed spatiotemporal profiles of coastal microplastic contamination in India, underscoring the need for urgent pollution control measures in heavily populated coastal regions.
Effects of seasonal variation and resuspension on microplastics in river sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in river sediments across multiple seasons and examined the role of resuspension events, finding that MP levels varied significantly by season and that high-flow events released previously deposited particles, redistributing contamination downstream.
Seasonal variation, polymer hazard risk and controlling factors of microplastics in beach sediments along the southeast coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination at six beaches along India's southeast coast, comparing seasonal variation and hazard risk. They found that polyethylene and polypropylene fibers were the most common types, likely originating from fishing, textile, and urban activities. Although overall contamination levels were low, the presence of hazardous polymers like PVC and polystyrene contributed to a very high ecological risk index for marine life.
Investigation of microplastic contamination in the sediments of Noyyal River- Southern India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented microplastic contamination across 15 sites in the urban Noyyal River in southern India, finding concentrations up to 6,500 particles per cubic meter in dried sediments, with fragments and fibers in a variety of colors the most common forms.
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.