We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Distribution and characterization of microplastics present in the water and sediments of River Gomti, India
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics pollution in the rivers, its source, and impact on aquatic life: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed global evidence of microplastic contamination in rivers and lakes, finding that plastic particles serve as carriers for toxic chemicals, harm aquatic life through ingestion and entanglement, and enter human food and water supplies, while also exploring plant-based plastic alternatives that could reduce future pollution.
Microplastic Detection and Analysis in River Yamuna, Delhi
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic contamination was detected at high densities in the Yamuna River in Delhi, with these sub-0.5mm particles found to carry carcinogenic compounds into freshwater systems used by millions of people. The findings highlight the urgent need for pollution controls in South Asian urban waterways, where microplastics pose compounding risks to both aquatic life and human drinking water sources.
Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in the Surface water of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu Valley
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination across 15 sites along the Bagmati River in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, finding concentrations up to 129 MP per liter with fibers (94%) and polyethylene dominating, and significantly higher concentrations in midstream and downstream zones influenced by urban wastewater and solid waste.
Abundance, distribution and characterization of microplastics in Tropical River Estuary, South East Coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled water and sediment across seven sites along the Palar River estuary in southeast India, finding that fiber-shaped high-density polyethylene microplastics dominate, likely originating from fishing gear and industrial discharge. The study establishes a contamination baseline for a multi-source river system, highlighting how riverine environments serve as highways transporting plastic pollution from inland industrial and agricultural sources into coastal marine ecosystems.
Microplastics Accumulation And Distribution In The Surface Water And Sediment Of The Kosasthalaiyar River, Tamil Nadu, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were surveyed across water and sediment of Chennai's Kosasthalaiyar River, with highest concentrations found near Buckingham Canal discharge and the Ennore estuary, and FTIR confirming polyethylene, PVC, PET, polypropylene, and nylon fibers as dominant polymers. The study identifies sewage discharge and anthropogenic activity zones as primary MP entry points, demonstrating that inadequate urban waste infrastructure directly drives microplastic loading into coastal marine environments.
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.