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ABSTRACT
The investigation focused on identification and quantification of microplastics in surface waters of Chalakudy River, Kerala. Microplastics were detected in the surface waters of the study area with a recovery rate of 108.33 mg particles L−1. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 15.13 ± 4.13 – 170 ± 17.75 particles L−1 (mean: 55.81 ± 34 particles L−1). A maximum number of microplastics were obtained from site C3 and the least from site C8. The weight distribution of microplastic on sites exhibited strong positive correlation with the abundance (r = 0.83). Microplastics of size <20 µm were in higher abundance in the study area. Microscopic examination revealed fragments (47.06%) as predominant plastics and the dominant colour was brown/mud (26.99%). Abundance of coloured plastics indicated the probability of damage to aquatic life. Raman spectrum analysis revealed that Low-Density Poly Ethylene (40%) as the predominant polymer that could be observed at all the sampling sites. Lower-sized microplastics would cause accidental ingestion by organisms. The estimated release of a higher average number of microplastic particles (55.81 ± 4.25) into the marine environment is of serious concern. The observed overall abundance and recovery rate of microplastics in the study area indicated the status of contamination due to a multitude of sources.
Acknowledgement
The Research Fellowship awarded by the SC-ST support programme (e-Grants) provided by the Government of Kerala and the Government of India to Maneesh Kumar S. K. is gratefully acknowledged. The authors acknowledged Sophisticated Analytical Instruments Facility (SAIF), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala for the extended technical support. Technical help received from the following individuals also acknowledged: Dr. Suja P. Devipriya (Associate Professor, School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology), Mr. Akhilesh K. B., Miss. Gayathry O. S., Mrs. Athulya P., and Mr. Amal R. (Research Fellows of School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology). We are thankful to the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments, that helped to improve the quality of the manuscript.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Data availability statement
The datasets used and analysed during this article are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
S. K. Maneesh Kumar
Mr. S. K. Maneesh Kumar has been working as a research scholar (Register Number: 5656) in the School of Environmental Studies, at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, India. Area of research includes identification and risk assessment of pollution due to microplastics in rivers, lakes, estuaries, oceans, and wetland ecosystems.
Aswathy R. Kartha
Ms. Aswathy R. Kartha successfully completed her post-graduation degree - MSc Environmental Science, from School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology. Field of research includes identification and risk assessment of pollution due to microplastics in aquatic environment. Currently she has been pursuing Master’s degree, at the Brandenburgische Technische Universitat Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany.
S. Rajathy
Dr. S. Rajathy served as Professor (Retired) in the field of Environmental Toxicology, at School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, India. Her area of research includes toxicity studies in the aquatic and terrestrial environments, pesticide toxicity in soil and environmental biodiversity.
C. S. Ratheesh Kumar
Dr. C. S. Ratheesh Kumar has been working as an assistant professor in Environmental Chemistry, at School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology. His area of research includes geochemical studies of riverine, estuarine, and coastal aquatic environments.
P. K. Chandini
Mrs. P. K. Chandni has been working as a Research Scholar (Register Number: 5053) in the School of Environmental Studies, at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, India. Her field of study is soil pesticide pollution and ecotoxicology.
P. V. Vidya
Mrs. P. V. Vidya has been working as a Research Scholar (Register Number: 5654) in the School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, India. Her field of study is biogeochemical studies of wetlands.
P. K. Madhuraj
Mr. P. K. Madhuraj has been working as a research scholar (Register Number: 6262) in the School of Environmental Studies at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, India. His field of study includes atmospheric microplastic pollution.
K. S. Sajith
Dr. K. S. Sajith has been working as a Research Scholar (Register Number: 4662) in the School of Environmental Studies, at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, India. His field of research expertise includes environmental management and remote sensing.
S. Anamika
Ms. S. Anamika successfully completed her post-graduation degree - MSc Environmental Technology, from School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology. Currently she has been serving as Project Fellow at Centre for Water Resource development, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. Focus on biodiversity of riverine estuarine and oceanic ecosystems.