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Distribution of microplastics in the catchment region of Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar site in Chennai, India
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Researchers analyzed microplastic distribution in surface water and sediments of the Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar-designated wetland in Chennai, India, finding significant contamination in this ecologically sensitive freshwater ecosystem that serves as an important urban biodiversity hotspot.
Microplastics are persistent toxic pollutants, detected in different environmental compartments. Numerous studies on the characteristics and distribution of microplastics present in different environmental matrices are being carried out. However, limited studies have been performed in environmental systems like eco-sensitive freshwater marshlands. Therefore, to enrich the existing knowledge and understanding, this current study has analysed the distribution and characteristics of microplastics present in the catchment region of Pallikaranai marshland, Chennai, India. Both surface water and sediment samples were contaminated with microplastics in the range of 740-2826 items/mand 700 to 5833 items/kg of dry sediment, respectively. Compared to other shapes, fibrous microplastics were predominant in most of the surface water (n = 11) and sediment (n = 8) samples. The abundant presence of smaller microplastics (<1 mm) in the surface water suggests elevated impacts on the aquatic species owing to their higher bioavailability. Elevated anthropogenic activities and frequent movement of people in urban and residential areas were noted to possibly influence the spatial distribution of microplastics. Furthermore, heavy metals' occurrence on microplastics was investigated using X-Ray Fluorescence Analyser (XRF) and Zn, Fe, Ti, and Ni are the commonly detected (>50% of the samples) elements. The estimated average pollution load index of 2.5 indicates the polluted state of Pallikaranai catchment region.
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Microplastic Contamination in the Ramsar-Designated Pallikaranai Wetland, Southern India
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits (from things like packaging, bottles, and synthetic fabrics) buried in the mud and water of a protected wetland in southern India, likely washed in from nearby cities' trash. While this study looked at the wetland itself rather than people, it matters because these wetlands filter water and support wildlife that's part of the food chain—so plastic pollution here can work its way up to the fish and water supplies humans depend on. The findings are a reminder that mismanaged waste doesn't just disappear; it accumulates in the ecosystems we rely on for clean water and food.
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Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution in water and sediment samples from North Chennai, India, finding contamination at all sampling sites. Landfills, densely populated areas, and tourist spots had the highest concentrations, with pollution risk levels ranging from low to extremely high. The presence of microplastics in lake water used for drinking purposes is a concern for human health in the region.
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Researchers conducted the first study of microplastic distribution and sources in Red Hills Lake, a freshwater reservoir supplying drinking water to northern Chennai, India. Analysis of sediment samples revealed the presence of microplastic contamination, highlighting concerns about microplastic pollution in freshwater systems used for human water supply.
Microplastic contamination in Ashtamudi Lake, India: Insights from a Ramsar wetland
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in water, sediment, fish, and shellfish of Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar-designated wetland in southwest India. They found microplastics present across all sampled compartments of this ecologically and economically important brackish water system. The study raises concerns about potential human exposure to microplastics through locally consumed fishery resources from this important coastal lake.
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Seasonal and spatial monitoring of three urban wetlands in Coimbatore, India found microplastic concentrations of 10–33 particles/L in surface water and 14–47 particles/0.5 kg in sediments, with monsoon season driving peak abundance and polyethylene terephthalate as the dominant polymer. Urban wetlands act as accumulation and transfer zones for microplastics, connecting city waste streams to aquatic biota and downstream human exposure.
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