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Plastic driven pollution in Pakistan: the first evidence of environmental exposure to microplastic in sediments and water of Rawal Lake
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This study provides the first evidence of microplastic contamination in a freshwater body in Pakistan, examining surface water and sediments of Rawal Lake near Islamabad. Researchers found microplastics in both water and sediment samples, with fibers and fragments being the most common types, composed primarily of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. The study suggests that high population density, improper waste disposal, and recreational activities are the main drivers of contamination.
Microplastic pollution is as an emerging environmental threat. Focus of most of the current researches has been on microplastics in the marine environment. However, there is limited information for microplastic availability in the fresh water, especially in Pakistan. The current study was conducted with the objective of investigating the microplastic presence and concentration in the surface water and sediments of the Rawal Lake, in the capital city of Pakistan. The average microplastic abundance for water and sediments was 0.142 items/0.1 L and 1.04 items/0.01 kg, respectively. Results indicated that the fibers and fragments were the most dominant types of microplastics. The dominant colors were blue, red, black, and transparent. FTIR analysis of visible microplastic particles displayed a greater similarity with polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride because of the appearance of characteristic peaks of these polymers. The study also revealed greater concentration of microplastics in the sediments as compared with water of the Rawal Lake. High population density surrounding lake, improper waste disposal, tourism, and recreational activities may be the major reasons for the microplastic contamination of the lake.
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Researchers detected microplastics in four of six major tributaries feeding Rawal Lake in Islamabad, Pakistan, with lake surface water concentrations ranging from 6.4 to 8.8 particles/m3, identifying tributary inflow as a primary pathway for microplastic contamination of this urban freshwater reservoir.
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastic pollution in Pakistan, including findings of plastic particles like polyethylene and polystyrene in water bodies such as Rawal Lake and the Swat River. It describes how microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and germs, and links them to health effects such as oxidative stress and organ damage, while discussing waste management and policy challenges.
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Researchers quantified and characterized microplastics in water, sediments, and fish from Rawal Lake in Pakistan, finding widespread contamination across all environmental compartments. The study also evaluated magnetic extraction and chemical coagulation as treatment approaches for removing microplastics from water, identifying effective removal pathways.
Comprehensive analysis of spatial distribution of microplastics in Rawal Lake, Pakistan using trawl net and sieve sampling methods
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Researchers conducted a comprehensive spatial analysis of microplastics in Rawal Lake, Pakistan, finding that sampling methodology significantly influences microplastic counts and revealing widespread contamination across tributaries, settlement areas, and fishing zones.
Fate and retention of microplastics in freshwater reservoir: Evidence from atmospheric deposition, size scaling, and hydrological modelling in Rawal Lake, Pakistan
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Scientists studying a drinking water reservoir in Pakistan found that tiny plastic particles are getting in not just from rivers and runoff, but literally falling from the air, settling into the lake constantly like invisible dust. The lake acts like a trap, holding onto larger plastic bits in its sediment while finer particles keep cycling through the water — meaning this contamination builds up over time in a water source communities rely on. Since this reservoir likely supplies drinking water, the findings raise questions about long-term microplastic exposure and highlight the need for better monitoring of urban water supplies worldwide.
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