Quantification and Characterization of Microplastics …
279
result in films. These thin sheet-like particles originate from plastic carry bags and
laminates [7].
Intake of MPs by the fishes can be a serious concern that can further contaminate
the food web. There are several biological and chemical impacts which impact the
flora and fauna. Chemical impacts include transfer of toxic chemicals which ultimately ends in consumption by organisms at the higher trophic level through the
water. Biological impacts include colonization of microorganisms on the surface of
microplastic particles, which gets transported along with these tiny particles [25, 26].
These particles can become a threat to the aquatic organisms of Kanke lake. There are
several pathways which can cause toxic effects to humans and various mechanisms
which impacts organisms of higher trophic levels [6]. Lu et al. [27] reported that
human health gets effects on gut microbiota due to ingestion of MPs. Distribution of
these particles may vary in terms of concentration which may affect the water quality
of freshwater systems. The permissible limit of MPs ingestion by humans should be
determined.
5 Conclusion
Freshwater systems have been less understood in terms of plastic pollution specifically in India. The current study focuses on the quantification and morphological
characterization of MPs in Kanke lake. This lake serves as a primary water resource
for water consumption for huge settlements in the Ranchi city; hence, MPs pollution
can directly impact the aquatic organisms and human beings. At present, freshwater
systems are continuously downgrading and can be the reason for water scarcity in
terms of water quality. The morphological characterization produces clear evidence
of the presence of these plastic particles due to anthropogenic activities by humans
such as fishing activities and direct littering of plastic debris into the lake. Therefore,
freshwater system such as Kanke lake used for human consumption of water needs
continuous monitoring and should be restricted from plastic littering into the lake. At
the same time, source reduction should also be considered to reduce MPs particles
in the lake.
References
1. Saliu F, Montano S, Garavaglia MG, Lasagni M, Seveso D, Galli P (2018) Microplastic and
charred microplastic in the Faafu Atoll. Maldives Mar Pollut Bull 136:464–471
2. Claessens M, Van Cauwenberghe L, Vandegehuchte MB, Janssen CR (2013) New techniques
for the detection of microplastics in sediments and field collected organisms. Mar Pollut Bull
70(1–2):227–233
3. Koelmans AA, Nor NHM, Hermsen E, Kooi M, Mintenig SM, De France J (2019) Microplastics
in freshwaters and drinking water: critical review and assessment of data quality. Water Res
155:410–422
279
result in films. These thin sheet-like particles originate from plastic carry bags and
laminates [7].
Intake of MPs by the fishes can be a serious concern that can further contaminate
the food web. There are several biological and chemical impacts which impact the
flora and fauna. Chemical impacts include transfer of toxic chemicals which ultimately ends in consumption by organisms at the higher trophic level through the
water. Biological impacts include colonization of microorganisms on the surface of
microplastic particles, which gets transported along with these tiny particles [25, 26].
These particles can become a threat to the aquatic organisms of Kanke lake. There are
several pathways which can cause toxic effects to humans and various mechanisms
which impacts organisms of higher trophic levels [6]. Lu et al. [27] reported that
human health gets effects on gut microbiota due to ingestion of MPs. Distribution of
these particles may vary in terms of concentration which may affect the water quality
of freshwater systems. The permissible limit of MPs ingestion by humans should be
determined.
5 Conclusion
Freshwater systems have been less understood in terms of plastic pollution specifically in India. The current study focuses on the quantification and morphological
characterization of MPs in Kanke lake. This lake serves as a primary water resource
for water consumption for huge settlements in the Ranchi city; hence, MPs pollution
can directly impact the aquatic organisms and human beings. At present, freshwater
systems are continuously downgrading and can be the reason for water scarcity in
terms of water quality. The morphological characterization produces clear evidence
of the presence of these plastic particles due to anthropogenic activities by humans
such as fishing activities and direct littering of plastic debris into the lake. Therefore,
freshwater system such as Kanke lake used for human consumption of water needs
continuous monitoring and should be restricted from plastic littering into the lake. At
the same time, source reduction should also be considered to reduce MPs particles
in the lake.
References
1. Saliu F, Montano S, Garavaglia MG, Lasagni M, Seveso D, Galli P (2018) Microplastic and
charred microplastic in the Faafu Atoll. Maldives Mar Pollut Bull 136:464–471
2. Claessens M, Van Cauwenberghe L, Vandegehuchte MB, Janssen CR (2013) New techniques
for the detection of microplastics in sediments and field collected organisms. Mar Pollut Bull
70(1–2):227–233
3. Koelmans AA, Nor NHM, Hermsen E, Kooi M, Mintenig SM, De France J (2019) Microplastics
in freshwaters and drinking water: critical review and assessment of data quality. Water Res
155:410–422