MICROPLASTIC CONTAMINATION IN FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

International Journal of Computer Science (IJCS) Published by SK Research Group of Companies (SKRGC)

Abstract

Microplastics, commonly defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have become ubiquitous contaminants of the environment. Although early research focused on marine systems, freshwater ecosystems—rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and groundwater—are now recognised both as major pathways that deliver plastics to the oceans and as important sinks in their own right. This paper reviews current knowledge on the sources, occurrence, transport, ecological effects and human-health implications of microplastic contamination in freshwater environments. Principal sources include wastewater treatment plant effluent, laundering of synthetic textiles, tyre wear, urban and agricultural runoff, atmospheric deposition and the fragmentation of larger plastic debris. Microplastics have been reported from densely populated urban catchments to remote mountain lakes, with polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate among the most frequently identified polymers. Laboratory and field studies show that freshwater organisms ingest microplastics and that particles can act as vectors for additives and sorbed pollutants, although environmental relevance remains debated. Inconsistent sampling and analytical methods continue to limit comparability between studies. Mitigation strategies include source reduction, improved wastewater treatment, better waste management, supportive regulation and harmonised monitoring. A regional perspective on India and priorities for future research are also discussed for autism spectrum disorder identification.

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Keywords

Microplastics; freshwater ecosystems; plastic pollution; wastewater treatment; bioaccumulation; sediment; environmental monitoring; mitigation; policy.