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Distribution and characterization of microplastics present in the water and sediments of River Gomti, India
Summary
The first microplastic distribution study of the Gomti River in Lucknow, India found concentrations up to 82 particles/100 L in water and 116 particles/100 g in sediment, with fragments, fibers, films, and granules confirmed by FTIR, SEM, and EDS analysis. The findings establish baseline contamination data for an understudied South Asian river system, highlighting freshwater microplastic pollution as a growing public health concern in rapidly urbanizing regions.
The term “microplastics” (MPs) refers to a class of newly discovered environmental contaminants. Microplastic contamination of lakes and rivers is a globally recognized environmental issue. They have created a worldwide environmental problem and are widely distributed throughout the freshwater ecosystem. However, limited research has been done on freshwater sources, particularly in India. The distribution of microplastics in the water and sediments of the River Gomti in Lucknow region, Uttar Pradesh, India, was studied for the first time in the present study. Water and sediment samples were collected from six locations. The samples were subjected to digestion with H2O2 (30%) and Fenton reagent (0.05 M); thereafter, microplastics were isolated by density separation process using NaCl solution. The isolated MPs were analyzed by stereo microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Fragments, fibers, films, and granular samples of microplastics were observed in both water and sediment samples. The maximum concentration of MPs was found to be 82 particles/100 L in the water sample at Kudia Ghat and 116 particles/100 g in the sediment sample at Gomti Nagar Extension. The lower level of MPs was observed to be 39 particles/100 L in the water sample at Lonapur and 32 particles/100 g in the sediment sample at Laxman Mela Ground. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of plastic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon. Microplastics observed included fibers, fragments, films, and granules, predominantly sized between 0.15 and 4.5 mm, with blue, white, yellow, black, green, red, and transparent particles being most common. These findings shall be part of new knowledge about MPs pollution in riverine ecosystems. Further, the outcomes of this study shall increase public awareness about the dangers associated with MPs contamination and draw the attention of the scientific community and regulatory bodies to amicable solutions.