We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of Heavy Metals, Microplastics Abundance, Pollution Level, and Contamination Risk in the Ganges Downstream
Summary
Heavy metals and microplastics were co-assessed in a marine environment, with pollution indices developed to characterize combined contamination levels. The integrated assessment approach helps regulators understand the combined chemical burden faced by marine organisms in polluted coastal areas.
The degradation of aquatic ecosystems and their links to climate change had made microplastic (MP) contamination a significant environmental concern. The study evaluated the water quality and assessed the abundance, pollution level, and contamination risk of microplastics in the downstream of the Ganges. The analysis results revealed that biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, and chromium levels slightly exceeded ECR-BD (2023) standards, reflecting mild pollution. Heavy metal analysis showed the following sequence of concentration: Fe > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cd, which increased gradually. Considering the water quality indices, the river water was moderately polluted. MP concentrations were higher in the pre-monsoon (17.7 particles/l) than in the post-monsoon (14.3 particles/l) season, with blue fibers <1 mm as the dominant forms. The identified MPs were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride. The contamination factor (CF > 1) and the pollution load index (PLI > 1) indicated that the analyzed area was moderately contaminated with MPs. According to the study, the concentrations of Cr, Fe, and Cu increased with rising MP levels. Based on the co-occurrence of MPs and heavy metals, the Ganges River faced new ecological threats that needed to be addressed by tighter wastewater regulations, better plastic waste management, ongoing monitoring, and the implementation of transboundary policies to mitigate microplastic pollution.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Environmental risk assessment of heavy metals and microplastics in marine biota along Gujarat coastline, India
Researchers assessed environmental risks from both heavy metals and microplastics in marine organisms collected along the Gujarat coastline in India, measuring contamination levels in multiple species. Combined contamination elevated ecological risk indices above safe thresholds at several coastal sites.
Integration of microplastics and heavy metals in the potential ecological risk index: Spatial pollution assessment of sediments in the inner Gulf of Thailand
Researchers assessed the spatial distribution of microplastics and heavy metals in surface sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand, finding an average of nearly 1,400 microplastic pieces per kilogram with the highest concentrations near river mouths. They developed an integrated ecological risk index combining microplastic and heavy metal contamination, revealing that areas near river estuaries face moderate to considerable combined pollution risk. The study demonstrates the importance of evaluating microplastics alongside other contaminants for comprehensive environmental risk assessment.
Interactions Between Heavy Metals and Microplastics in Surface Marine Sediments, Chanthaburi River Mouth, Eastern Gulf of Thailand
Researchers assessed heavy metal and microplastic contamination in surface marine sediments from the mouth of Thailand's Chanthaburi River, finding interactions between metal pollutants and plastic particles that affect contaminant bioavailability and ecological risk in estuarine environments.
Exploring synergistic contamination of heavy metals and microplastics in marine edible fishes and associated risk status in humans
Researchers assessed heavy metal and microplastic contamination in multiple marine fish species along the Gujarat coastline and found substantial spatial and interspecies variation. Some species exceeded safe metal thresholds, and MP contamination was prevalent, with combined exposure posing amplified health risks for local consumers.
Integrative Evaluation of the Ecological Hazards by Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Wetland Ecosystem
Researchers conducted an integrative ecological hazard assessment of microplastics combined with heavy metals, evaluating their combined toxicity to aquatic organisms. The study found that co-contamination with heavy metals and microplastics poses greater ecological risk than either pollutant alone.