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Microplastic pollution in Kolavai Lake, Tamil Nadu, India: quantification of plankton-sized microplastics in the surface water of lake
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Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in Kolavai Lake in Tamil Nadu, India, finding an average abundance of 6.1 particles per liter in surface water. They identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene as the most common types using infrared spectroscopy. The study also examined the ratio of microplastics to zooplankton, raising concerns about how these tiny particles could enter the food chain when consumed by aquatic organisms.
The prevalence of microplastics (MP) (< 5 mm) in aquatic habitats has recently raised concerns owing to their influence on humans and aquatic organisms, as they absorb organic pollutants and pathogens from the surrounding media because of their higher surface-to-volume ratio. Freshwater systems are severely affected by the increased intake of discarded waste from diverse sources. This study focused on the microplastic-to-zooplankton ratio and its potential impact on the environment's food chain. The sampling sites of Kolavai Lake were divided into three zones (18 stations) to investigate the spatial distribution of microplastics and zooplankton biota. The average microplastic abundance was 6.1 ± 2.5 particles/L. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM analysis were performed to understand the chemical composition and surface morphology of microplastics. Water samples collected along the Central and Southern Zones revealed a high abundance of microplastics, which might be due to anthropogenic activities. A negative correlation was observed between the abundance of microplastics and zooplankton. The microplastic-to-zooplankton ratio was found to range from 0.05 to 0.74. Furthermore, the impact of microplastics in the lake ecosystem was analysed using the size and shape descriptors for both zooplankton and microplastics. These findings suggest that microplastics built up in aquatic environments, particularly those with rich biota, could be a severe concern because of their capacity to infiltrate the food web.
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Microplastic pollution in Kolavai Lake, Tamil Nadu, India: Quantification of plankton-sized microplastics in the surface water of lake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed Kolavai Lake in Tamil Nadu, India, and found microplastics at an average of 6.1 particles per liter across the lake's surface water, with higher concentrations near urban and southern zones. The study used FTIR spectroscopy to confirm the chemical identity of particles and examined how microplastic abundance compares to zooplankton density, finding that microplastics were present at levels that could disrupt plankton feeding. These results highlight how even inland freshwater lakes in India are heavily contaminated, with implications for aquatic food chains and the communities that depend on this water.
Microplastics in freshwater lakes: A case study from Southern India
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in Vellayani Lake, a major drinking water source in southern India, and found particles present across all sampling sites and seasons. Fibers were the most common shape, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymer types, likely originating from domestic wastewater and fishing activities. The study highlights the need for monitoring microplastic pollution in freshwater lakes that serve as critical drinking water supplies.
A preliminary assessment of microplastics in the waters and sediments of the second-largest freshwater lagoon in India
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Researchers conducted a preliminary assessment of microplastics in the waters and sediments of Pulicat lagoon, India's second-largest freshwater lagoon, using microscopy, ATR-FTIR, and Micro-Raman spectroscopy, finding average microplastic abundances in surface water of 3.12 +/- 1.53 particles per sample.
Microplastic pollution – a rising threat along an urban lake in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India: abundance and risk exposure
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in Dharapadavedu Lake in Tamil Nadu, India, finding contamination in both water and sediment samples. Medium-sized microplastics (500-1,000 micrometers) were the most common, with polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant plastic types. The study highlights the growing microplastic contamination in urban lake ecosystems that communities rely on, raising concerns about water quality and human exposure.
Characterization of microplastics and its pollution load index in freshwater Kumaraswamy Lake of Coimbatore, India
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in Kumaraswamy Lake in India across four seasons and found plastic particles at every sampling point. The most common types were polyethylene and polypropylene, with concentrations varying by season and location within the lake. This study provides baseline pollution data for a freshwater lake that serves local communities, highlighting how widespread microplastic contamination has become.
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