Current State of Microplastics Research …
47
3.3 Lacustrine Environment
Water bodies, including lakes and estuaries, were found to be both source and sink
of microplastics [120]. Other than urban lakes, microplastics are also reported from
lakes in remote areas [34]. The small-sized plastics have also been reported from
the organisms living in these water bodies. In India, the first study on a lake was
conducted by Sruthy and Ramaswamy [118]. They found out that the Vembanad
Lake, a Ramsar site in India, is heavily polluted with Mps. A higher abundance of
microplastics was observed from marine-influenced sites, and the microplastics were
found to be discharged from nearby cities like Kochi and Eloor. The study proved
that lake sediments act as a sink for these micro pollutants. They also highlighted
the significance of residence time of microplastics in water which will enhance the
biofouling and adsorption of various chemicals to the microplastic surface. Later,
[39], examined the presence of microplastics in a lake in Chennai, Tamil Nadu—
Lake Red Hills. They have observed microplastic contamination in the sediments and
water samples from the lake. Fishing activities and dry deposition can be sources
of these plastic materials. Besides, the sewage waste flow from the residential area
close to the lake is a major contributor to the pollution in the lake. The authors
show doubt about the efficiency of the water facility in removing the microplastics.
They also showed their concern about the harmful effect of drinking the boiled water
containing Mps, as the toxicity may increase as boiling results in the release of
multiple metals present on the surface of the microplastics into the water. SEM study
revealed the presence of various metals on the surface of Mps. Veeranam Lake of
Tamil Nadu is also polluted with microplastics with about more than 60% of the
obtained microplastics were lesser than 1 mm in size [12]. The authors found out
that the primary source of these materials in the lake is riverine input.
3.4 Groundwater
Microplastics contamination in groundwater is a severe global issue which needs to
be adequately tackled. In India, a few studies have been reported from groundwater.
Selvam et al. [110] investigated microplastic distribution in the surface and subsurface
water from coastal southern India. They have linked the higher abundance of Mps to
industrial and tourist activities. Besides, they have analysed the adsorption capacities
of various polymers for different pollutants. They have also suggested the OSPRC
framework (Origins, sources, pathways, receptors, and consequences) for a complete
representation of microplastic research. Ganesan et al. [36] analysed the microplastic
abundance in groundwater along with various water sources from Chennai, including
surface water and commercial drinking water. They were the first in India to study
the occurrence of drinking water. They attributed the reason for the microplastic
presence in the water to be the over usage of plastics and the absence of a proper
waste management system.
47
3.3 Lacustrine Environment
Water bodies, including lakes and estuaries, were found to be both source and sink
of microplastics [120]. Other than urban lakes, microplastics are also reported from
lakes in remote areas [34]. The small-sized plastics have also been reported from
the organisms living in these water bodies. In India, the first study on a lake was
conducted by Sruthy and Ramaswamy [118]. They found out that the Vembanad
Lake, a Ramsar site in India, is heavily polluted with Mps. A higher abundance of
microplastics was observed from marine-influenced sites, and the microplastics were
found to be discharged from nearby cities like Kochi and Eloor. The study proved
that lake sediments act as a sink for these micro pollutants. They also highlighted
the significance of residence time of microplastics in water which will enhance the
biofouling and adsorption of various chemicals to the microplastic surface. Later,
[39], examined the presence of microplastics in a lake in Chennai, Tamil Nadu—
Lake Red Hills. They have observed microplastic contamination in the sediments and
water samples from the lake. Fishing activities and dry deposition can be sources
of these plastic materials. Besides, the sewage waste flow from the residential area
close to the lake is a major contributor to the pollution in the lake. The authors
show doubt about the efficiency of the water facility in removing the microplastics.
They also showed their concern about the harmful effect of drinking the boiled water
containing Mps, as the toxicity may increase as boiling results in the release of
multiple metals present on the surface of the microplastics into the water. SEM study
revealed the presence of various metals on the surface of Mps. Veeranam Lake of
Tamil Nadu is also polluted with microplastics with about more than 60% of the
obtained microplastics were lesser than 1 mm in size [12]. The authors found out
that the primary source of these materials in the lake is riverine input.
3.4 Groundwater
Microplastics contamination in groundwater is a severe global issue which needs to
be adequately tackled. In India, a few studies have been reported from groundwater.
Selvam et al. [110] investigated microplastic distribution in the surface and subsurface
water from coastal southern India. They have linked the higher abundance of Mps to
industrial and tourist activities. Besides, they have analysed the adsorption capacities
of various polymers for different pollutants. They have also suggested the OSPRC
framework (Origins, sources, pathways, receptors, and consequences) for a complete
representation of microplastic research. Ganesan et al. [36] analysed the microplastic
abundance in groundwater along with various water sources from Chennai, including
surface water and commercial drinking water. They were the first in India to study
the occurrence of drinking water. They attributed the reason for the microplastic
presence in the water to be the over usage of plastics and the absence of a proper
waste management system.