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Microplastic Migration in Groundwater: An Aftermath of Michaung Cyclone in Chennai City, India
Summary
Researchers sampled groundwater across Chennai, India before and after the Michaung cyclone and found elevated microplastic concentrations post-cyclone, particularly fibers and fragments. The findings suggest that extreme weather events can mobilize and redistribute microplastics through groundwater systems.
Abstract Microplastic contamination has emerged as a global environmental concern, yet its movement through groundwater systems in the Indian scenario remains underexplored. This study investigates the migration of microplastics in the groundwater of Chennai, India, focusing on changes before and after the Michaung cyclone. A total of 60 groundwater samples were collected from multiple sites across the city to assess microplastic concentration, types, and distribution patterns. The analysis reveals a significant shift in microplastic levels and distribution following the cyclone, with increased migration likely driven by changes in rainfall, flooding, and soil permeability. Pallikaranai waste disposal site was identified as a major source of microplastic contamination, while the Guindy National Park acted as a natural buffer zone, limiting the extent of microplastic transport. Microplastic particles were identified in various forms, with predominant types including fibers, fragments, and films, composed mainly of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). This study provides crucial insights into the potential for cyclones to exacerbate the transport of microplastics through urban groundwater systems, highlighting the risks to both water quality and ecosystem health. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of microplastic pollution in groundwater and underscore the need for enhanced monitoring and mitigation strategies, especially in cyclone‐prone regions.