PROJECT REPORT

on
DETECTION OF MICROPLASTIC IN WATER SAMPLE

Submitted By
MS. PAMELA BARUA
M.SC. PART II (SEMESTER-IV)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 2021-22

Guided by
DR. SONAL TAWDE

BIRLA COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE,

KALYAN
 B. K. Birla College of Arts, Science and Commerce
(Autonomous), Kalyan

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. ___________________________, Exam Seat No. ________ of

M.Sc. Part II, Semester IV of Environmental Sciences, B. K. Birla College of Arts, Science
and Commerce (Autonomous), Kalyan has completed the dissertation on the topic
________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
during the academic year 2021-2022.

Date:

Dr. (Mrs.) Sonal Tawde

In-charge,
Department of Environmental Sciences
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the various people who during the several months in which the

endeavour lasted, provided me help assistant. I am glad to have such a supportive people in

this project.

I express my profound gratitude to my guide Dr. Sonal Tawde for her valuable guidance and

constructive suggestions. Despite her hectic schedule she has taken trouble to give guidance

and support me.

I would like to thank the faculty members of B.K. Birla College for proving me all the

necessary equipment to carry out my project.

Also, I would like to thank our Principal Dr. Avinash Patil Sir, Director Dr. Naresh Chandra

and teaching and non-teaching staff and friends whose inspiration and encouragement helped

me to complete my project work successfully. A special expression of gratitude is extended

to anyone for their patience in assisting me.

Last but not the least, my special thanks to my parents and my friend Surbhi Singh and

Shubham Sonawane for their support and encouragement during my project. I apologize to

anyone who deserve the credit but failed to appear in this list.

PAMELA BARUA

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 INDEX

SR. NO. CONTENT PAGE NO.

1 CHAPTER 1 - Introduction 3-10

2 CHAPTER 2 – Literature review 11-20

3 CHAPTER 3 – Aims and objectives 21

4 CHAPTER 4 – Materials and Methods 22-24

5 CHAPTER 5 – Result and observation 25-27

6 CHAPTER 6 – Conclusion 28

7 CHAPTER 7- Reference 29

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 Chapter 1.

INTRODUCTION

Plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris found in our ocean and Great
Lakes. Plastic debris can come in all shapes and sizes, but those that are less than five
millimeters in length (or about the size of a sesame seed) are called “microplastics.”
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from both commercial product development
and the breakdown of larger plastics. As a pollutant, microplastics can be harmful to the
environment and animal health. They cause pollution by entering natural ecosystems from a
variety of sources, including cosmetics, clothing, food packaging, and industrial processes.
Because plastics degrade slowly (often over hundreds to thousands of years), microplastics
have a high probability of ingestion, incorporation into, and accumulation in the bodies and
tissues of many organisms.

The toxic chemicals that come from both the ocean and runoff can also biomagnify up
the food chain. In terrestrial ecosystems, microplastics have been demonstrated to reduce the
viability of soil ecosystems and reduce weight of earthworms. The cycle and movement of
microplastics in the environment are not fully known, but research is currently underway to
investigate the phenomenon.

General characteristics of microplastic

• Microplastics are synthetic materials, and consist of solid particles that are smaller
than 5 mm.
• They are insoluble in water and not degradable.
• Microplastic are very diverse. Their diversities include sizes, types, colour, and
sources
• Microplastic are resistant to degradation, combined pollution and potential risks.
• The life span of these microplastics is really high as they are not easily degradable
and their small size amount to poor management of them. They require proper action
plan for disposal.
• They are easily consumable by the aquatic animals due to their similarities with their
food. With this microplastic enters the food chain and magnifies.

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Sources of microplastic

1. Plastic Pellets: incidents during manufacturing, transport and recycling

In their primary form, many plastics are in the form of pellets – typically 2-5
mm in diameter – or powders. Pellets are transported to plastic transformers
that generate the plastic products. During manufacturing, processing, transport
and recycling, pellets can be spilled into the environment through small or
large incidents along the whole plastic value chain. Many field studies are
reporting the occurrence of plastic pellets in the environment.
2. Synthetic Textiles: abrasion during laundry
Washing synthetic textiles, in industrial laundries and households creates
primary microplastics through abrasion and shedding of fibres. Fibres are then
discharged in sewage water and potentially end up in the ocean. Significant
amounts of these textile fibres have been observed in many in situ sampling
studies both in open water and marine sediments. These fibres are typically
made of polyester, polyethylene, acrylic or elastane. Type of loss:
unintentional Lifecycle stage: product maintenance
3. Tyres: abrasion while driving
Tyres gets eroded when used. The particles are formed from the outer parts of
the tyre and consist of a matrix of synthetic polymers, namely Styrene
Butadiene Rubber, in a mix with natural rubber and many other additives.
Tyre dust will then either be spread by the wind or washed off the road by
rain. In this study, losses of synthetic rubber are considered but losses of
natural rubber are not.
There is no reliable information on the transfer of microplastics from tyres to
the world’s oceans. Both Norwegian and Swedish researchers have pointed
out that a large fraction of particles found in the sea seem to originate from car
tyres.
4. Road Markings: weathering and abrasion by vehicles
Road markings are applied during the development of road infrastructure and
its maintenance. Different types of markings (paint, thermoplastic, preformed
polymer tape and epoxy) are applied, with a global dominance of paint (45). In
most European countries, thermoplastics are the most commonly used

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 material. Loss of microplastics may result from weathering or from abrasion
by vehicles. As for tyres dust will either be spread by wind or washed off the
roads by rain before reaching surface waters and potentially the oceans.
5. Marine Coatings: weathering and incidents during application, maintenance and
disposal
Marine coatings are applied to all parts of vessels for protection including the
hull, the superstructure and on-deck equipment. They include solid coatings,
anticorrosive paint or antifouling paint. Several types of plastics are used for
marine coatings including mostly polyurethane and epoxy coatings and also
vinyl and lacquers (OECD Series on emissions documents, 2009). Primary
microplastics are released from commercial and leisure boats during building,
maintenance, repair or use.
6. Personal Care Products: pouring during product use
Plastic microbeads are used as ingredients in personal care and cosmetic
products for a variety of purposes such as sorbent phase for delivery of active
ingredients, exfoliation or viscosity. Some products contain as much plastic
added as ingredients as the plastic in which they are packaged. Classical use of
personal care products results in the direct introduction of the plastic particles
into wastewater streams from households, hotels, hospitals, and sport facilities
including beaches. Microbeads from cosmetics have been observed in field
studies in different areas of the world.
7. City Dust: weathering, abrasion and pouring of the material
City Dust is the generic name given to a group of nine sources identified in
recent country assessments, that are most often occurring in urban
environments, the abrasion of infrastructure (household dust, city dust,
artificial turfs, harbours and marina, building coating) as well as from the
blasting of abrasives and intentional pouring (detergents). These sources are
grouped together because their individual contribution is small.

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Five Forms of Microplastics

Fig. No. 1.1

Fibres

Fibres account for 71% of the total microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes. They come
from such items as fleece clothing, diapers, and cigarette butts. One of the more common
ways microfibres get into our lakes is through our very own washing machines. Washing a
fleece jacket just once can send out 2,000 microfibres into our waterways. Research funded
by Patagonia estimates that 40% of microfibres are not filtered out at wastewater treatment
plants. Sewage drains can get clogged as a result of it. Unlike cotton or wool, fleece
microfibres are non-biodegradable.

Microbeads

Microbeads are non-biodegradable plastic particles measuring less than one millimetre in
diameter. You can finds microbeads in facial cleansers, exfoliating soap products, and
toothpaste. Because of their size, microbeads can pass through treatment plants and enter the
Great Lakes. To give you a sense of scale, just one tube of toothpaste can contain 300,000

6
microbeads. They are a problem because fish and other aquatic species can mistake them for
food. Because plastic is not digestible, they can clog the intestines, which can lead to
starvation and death. Microbeads are considered toxic substances in Canada and the
U.S. They will be officially banned in 2019.

Fragments

Fragments are smaller pieces of plastic that break off from larger pieces of plastic. Common
examples include pieces of cutlery, lids, or single-use products. UV radiation from the sun
breaks down these fragments into even smaller pieces.

Nurdles

Nurdles are small plastic pellets used to manufacture plastic goods. Companies melt them
down and make moulds of plastic products, such as lids to containers. Due to their
size, nurdles sometimes spill out of transportation vehicles during delivery, especially with
rail cars. Storms and rainwater then push those nurdles into storm drains, which then empty
into the lake. Like fragments and microbeads, fish and other aquatic species can mistake
nurdles for food.

Foam

Styrofoam is used in food containers, coffee cups, and packing material. Chemicals from
Styrofoam can leach into food and beverages, affecting human health. Reheating food in a
styrofoam container increases that exposure. Like fragments, styrofoam breaks down into
smaller pieces. Most municipalities do not recycle styrofoam.

Sources of Microplastics

• Most microplastic pollution comes from textiles, tires and city dust which account for
over 80% of all microplastic in the environment. The existence of microplastics in the
environment is often established through aquatic studies.

• These include taking plankton samples, analysing sandy and muddy sediments,
observing vertebrate and invertebrate consumption, and evaluating
chemical pollutant interactions.

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 • Through such methods, it has been shown that there are microplastics from multiple
sources in the environment.

• Microplastics could contribute up to 30% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch polluting
the world's oceans and, in many developed countries, are a bigger source of marine
plastic pollution than the visible larger pieces of marine litter, according to a
2017 IUCN report.

Classification

The term "microplastics" was introduced in 2004 by Professor Richard Thompson, a marine
biologist at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom.

Microplastics are common in our world today. In 2014, it was estimated that there are
between 15 and 51 trillion individual pieces of microplastic in the world's oceans, which was
estimated to weigh between 93,000 and 236,000 metric tons.

Primary microplastics

Primary microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are purposefully

manufactured. They are usually used in facial cleansers and cosmetics, or in air
blasting technology. In some cases, their use in medicine as vectors for drugs was
reported. Microplastic "scrubbers", used in exfoliating hand cleansers and facial
scrubs, have replaced traditionally used natural ingredients, including
ground almond shells, oatmeal, and pumice. Primary microplastics have also been
produced for use in air blasting technology. This process involves
blasting acrylic, melamine, or polyester microplastic scrubbers at machinery, engines,
and boat hulls to remove rust and paint. As these scrubbers are used repeatedly until
they diminish in size and their cutting power is lost, they often become contaminated
with heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead. Although many companies
have committed to reducing the production of microbeads, there are still many
bioplastic microbeads that also have a long degradation life cycle similar to normal
plastic.

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Secondary microplastics

Secondary plastics are small pieces of plastic derived from the breakdown of larger
plastic debris, both at sea and on land. Over time, a culmination of physical,
biological, and chemphotodegradation, including photo-oxidation caused by sunlight
exposure, can reduce the structural integrity of plastic debris to a size that is
eventually undetectable to the naked eye. This process of breaking down large plastic
material into much smaller pieces is known as fragmentation. It is considered that
microplastics might further degrade to be smaller in size, although the smallest
microplastic reportedly detected in the oceans at present is 1.6 micrometres
(6.3×10−5 in) in diameter. The prevalence of microplastics with uneven shapes
suggests that fragmentation is a key source.

Effects on the environment

According to a comprehensive review of scientific evidence published by the European

Union's Scientific Advice Mechanism in 2019, microplastics are now present in every part of
the environment. While there is no evidence of widespread ecological risk from microplastic
pollution yet, risks are likely to become widespread within a century if pollution continues at
its current rate.[95]

Participants at the 2008 International Research Workshop on the Occurrence, Effects and
Fate of Microplastic Marine Debris at the University of Washington at Tacoma[96] concluded
that microplastics are a problem in the marine environment, based on:

the documented occurrence of microplastics in the marine environment,

the long residence times of these particles (and, therefore, their likely buildup in the future),
and

their demonstrated ingestion by marine organisms.

So far, research has mainly focused on larger plastic items. Widely recognized problems
facing marine life are entanglement, ingestion, suffocation and general debilitation often
leading to death and/or strandings. This causes serious public concern. In contrast,
microplastics are not as conspicuous, being less than 5 mm, and are usually invisible to the
naked eye. Particles of this size are available to a much broader range of species, enter the

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food chain at the bottom, become embedded in animal tissue, and are then undetectable by
unaided visual inspection.

Furthermore, consequences of plastic degradation and pollution release over long term have
mostly been overlooked. The large amounts of plastic currently in the environment, exposed
to degradation, but that has many more years of decay and release of toxic compounds to
follow is referred to as toxicity debt

Microplastics have been detected not just in marine but also in freshwater systems including
marshes, streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers in (Europe, North America, South America, Asia
and Australia). Samples collected across 29 Great Lakes tributaries from six states in the
United States were found to contain plastic particles, 98% of which were microplastics
ranging in size from 0.355mm to 4.75mm.

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 Chapter 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

1.The present and future of microplastic pollution in the marine environment

Juliana A.Ivar do SulMonica F.Costa

Abstract: Recently, research examining the occurrence of microplastics in the marine

environment has substantially increased. Field and laboratory work regularly provide new
evidence on the fate of microplastic debris. This debris has been observed within every
marine habitat. In this study, at least 101 peer-reviewed papers investigating microplastic
pollution were critically analysed (Supplementary material). Microplastics are commonly
studied in relation to (1) plankton samples, (2) sandy and muddy sediments, (3) vertebrate
and invertebrate ingestion, and (4) chemical pollutant interactions. All of the marine
organism groups are at an eminent risk of interacting with microplastics according to the
available literature. Dozens of works on other relevant issues (i.e., polymer decay at sea, new
sampling and laboratory methods, emerging sources, externalities) were also analysed and
discussed. This paper provides the first in-depth exploration of the effects of microplastics on
the marine environment and biota. The number of scientific publications will increase in
response to present and projected plastic uses and discard patterns. Therefore, new themes
and important approaches for future work are proposed.

Keywords: Marine debris, Risk to marine life, Priority pollutants, Coastal environments,
POPs

2. Microplastic in Aquatic Ecosystems

Dr. Natalia P. Ivleva,Alexandra C. Wiesheu,Prof. Dr. Reinhard Niessner

Abstract: The contamination of marine and freshwater ecosystems with plastic, and
especially with microplastic (MP), is a global ecological problem of increasing scientific
concern. This has stimulated a great deal of research on the occurrence of MP, interaction of
MP with chemical pollutants, the uptake of MP by aquatic organisms, and the resulting

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(negative) impact of MP. Herein, we review the major issues of MP in aquatic environments,
with the principal aims 1) to characterize the methods applied for MP analysis (including
sampling, processing, identification and quantification), indicate the most reliable techniques,
and discuss the required further improvements; 2) to estimate the abundance of MP in
marine/freshwater ecosystems and clarify the problems that hamper the comparability of such
results; and 3) to summarize the existing literature on the uptake of MP by living organisms.
Finally, we identify knowledge gaps, suggest possible strategies to assess environmental risks
arising from MP, and discuss prospects to minimize MP abundance in aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords: Contamination, Global ecological problem, Microplastic, Aquatic environment

3.Interactions of microplastic debris throughout the marine ecosystem

Tamara S. Galloway, Matthew Cole & Ceri Lewis

Abstract: Marine microscopic plastic (microplastic) debris is a modern societal issue,

illustrating the challenge of balancing the convenience of plastic in daily life with the
prospect of causing ecological harm by careless disposal. Here we develop the concept of
microplastic as a complex, dynamic mixture of polymers and additives, to which organic
material and contaminants can successively bind to form an ‘ecocorona’, increasing the
density and surface charge of particles and changing their bioavailability and toxicity.
Chronic exposure to microplastic is rarely lethal, but can adversely affect individual animals,
reducing feeding and depleting energy stores, with knock-on effects for fecundity and
growth. We explore the extent to which ecological processes could be impacted, including
altered behaviours, bioturbation and impacts on carbon flux to the deep ocean. We discuss
how microplastic compares with other anthropogenic pollutants in terms of ecological risk,
and consider the role of science and society in tackling this global issue in the future.

Keywords: Marine microplastic, Careless disposal, Ecocorona, Chronia exposure,

Bioturbation

4.Microplastic in marine organism: Environmental and toxicological effects

EleonoraGuzzetti, AntoniSured, SilviaTejada, CaterinaFaggio

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Abstract: Microplastics are tiny ubiquitous plastic particles present in marine environments.
They are not an individual entity, but constitute a cocktail of polymers and additives that can
absorb substances from the surrounding environment, including living substances, nutrients
and marine pollutants. Given their small size (< 5 μm), microplastics can be ingested by a
wide range of marine organisms with the potential to cause harms. Microplastics are a
growing threat for marine biota and ecosystem. For organisms, the risks associated with
microplastic ingestion are not only due to the material itself, but also to its ability to absorb
and concentrate environmental contaminants in seawater and subsequently transfer them
through food chains. Moreover, microplastics could influence ecological processes. Recently,
plastic debris are recognized as emerging pollutants and represent a great risk for marine
biodiversity worldwide. Here, we summarize the main effects of plastics and microplastics on
some marine organisms and ecosystem.

Keywords: Microplastics, Ingestion Effects Pollutants, Marine environments, Ecosystem

5. Microplastics in the marine environment

Anthony L.Andrady

Abstract: This review discusses the mechanisms of generation and potential impacts of
microplastics in the ocean environment. Weathering degradation of plastics on the beaches
results in their surface embrittlement and microcracking, yielding microparticles that are
carried into water by wind or wave action. Unlike inorganic fines present in sea water,
microplastics concentrate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by partition. The relevant
distribution coefficients for common POPs are several orders of magnitude in favour of the
plastic medium. Consequently, the microparticles laden with high levels of POPs can be
ingested by marine biota. Bioavailability and the efficiency of transfer of the ingested POPs
across trophic levels are not known and the potential damage posed by these to the marine
ecosystem has yet to be quantified and modelled. Given the increasing levels of plastic
pollution of the oceans it is important to better understand the impact of microplastics in the
ocean food web.

Keywords: Microplastics, Nanoplastics, POPs, Plastics Food web

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6.Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: A review

MatthewColeaPennieLindequeaClaudiaHalsbandbTamaraS.Gallowayc

Abstract: Since the mass production of plastics began in the 1940s, microplastic
contamination of the marine environment has been a growing problem. Here, a review of the
literature has been conducted with the following objectives: (1) to summarise the properties,
nomenclature and sources of microplastics; (2) to discuss the routes by which microplastics
enter the marine environment; (3) to evaluate the methods by which microplastics are
detected in the marine environment; (4) to assess spatial and temporal trends of microplastic
abundance; and (5) to discuss the environmental impact of microplastics. Microplastics are
both abundant and widespread within the marine environment, found in their highest
concentrations along coastlines and within mid-ocean gyres. Ingestion of microplastics has
been demonstrated in a range of marine organisms, a process which may facilitate the transfer
of chemical additives or hydrophobic waterborne pollutants to biota. We conclude by
highlighting key future research areas for scientists and policymakers.

Keywords: Microplastics,Marine litter,Plastic debris,Priority pollutant

7.The behaviors of microplastics in the marine environment

JundongWang, ZhiTanJinpingPeng, QiongxuanQiu.

Abstract: Despite the pollution of microplastics being internationally recognized, the

understanding of their behaviors in marine environment is still developing. Microplastics are
ubiquitous in the marine environment, with the potential to cause harm to marine ecosystem.
Here, we would classify the behaviors of microplastics as physical behaviors (i.e. migration,
sedimentation and accumulation), chemical behaviors (i.e. degradation and adsorption) and
biobehaviors (i.e. ingestion, translocation and biodegradation), and a further discussion on
their behavioral mechanisms were presented to better understand their impacts for the marine
environment.

Keywords: Microplastics, Behavior, Mechanism Impacts, Marine environment

8.Distribution and importance of microplastics in the marine environment: A review of

the sources, fate, effects, and potential solutions

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H.S.Auta, C.UEmenike, S.HFauziah

Abstract: The presence of microplastics in the marine environment poses a great threat to the
entire ecosystem and has received much attention lately as the presence has greatly impacted
oceans, lakes, seas, rivers, coastal areas and even the Polar Regions. Microplastics are found
in most commonly utilized products (primary microplastics), or may originate from the
fragmentation of larger plastic debris (secondary microplastics). The material enters the
marine environment through terrestrial and land-based activities, especially via runoffs and is
known to have great impact on marine organisms as studies have shown that large numbers
of marine organisms have been affected by microplastics. Microplastic particles have been
found distributed in large numbers in Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, India, South Africa, North
America, and in Europe. This review describes the sources and global distribution of
microplastics in the environment, the fate and impact on marine biota, especially the food
chain. Furthermore, the control measures discussed are those mapped out by both national
and international environmental organizations for combating the impact from microplastics.
Identifying the main sources of microplastic pollution in the environment and creating
awareness through education at the public, private, and government sectors will go a long
way in reducing the entry of microplastics into the environment. Also, knowing the
associated behavioral mechanisms will enable better understanding of the impacts for the
marine environment. However, a more promising and environmentally safe approach could
be provided by exploiting the potentials of microorganisms, especially those of marine origin
that can degrade microplastics.

Keywords: Microplastics, Pollution,Ingestion, Marine environment, Sediments, Bio-uptake

9.Microplastics in the marine environment: Current trends and future perspectives

Luís Gabriel, AntãoBarboza, Barbara Carolina, GarciaGimenez

Abstract: Over the last decade, the presence of microplastics on marine environments has
become an important environmental concern and focus of interest of many researches. Thus,
to provide a more integrated view of the research trends regarding this topic, we use a
scientometric approach to systematically assess and quantify advances in knowledge related
to microplastics in the marine environment. The papers that we used for our assessment were
obtained from the database Thomson Reuters (ISI Web of Science), between 2004 and 2014.

15
Our results reveal the overall research performance in the study area of microplastics present
in the marine environment over the past decade as a newly developed research field. It has
been recognized that there are several important issues that should be investigated. Toward
that end, based on the suggested directions on all papers reviewed, we point out areas/topics
of interest that may guide future work in the coming years.

Keywords: Microplastic,Plastic pollution, Marine debris, Emerging pollutants

10.Microplastics in the marine environment: Current trends and future perspectives

Luís Gabriel, AntãoBarboza, Barbara Carolina, GarciaGimenez

Abstract: Over the last decade, the presence of microplastics on marine environments has
become an important environmental concern and focus of interest of many researches. Thus,
to provide a more integrated view of the research trends regarding this topic, we use a
scientometric approach to systematically assess and quantify advances in knowledge related
to microplastics in the marine environment. The papers that we used for our assessment were
obtained from the database Thomson Reuters (ISI Web of Science), between 2004 and 2014.
Our results reveal the overall research performance in the study area of microplastics present
in the marine environment over the past decade as a newly developed research field. It has
been recognized that there are several important issues that should be investigated. Toward
that end, based on the suggested directions on all papers reviewed, we point out areas/topics
of interest that may guide future work in the coming years.

Keywords: Microplastic, Plastic pollution, Marine debris, Emerging pollutants

11.How climate change and eutrophication interact with microplastic pollution and
sediment resuspension in shallow lakes: A review

YafeiZhang, WeiHuang

Abstract: Climate change and eutrophication are both critical environmental issues currently.
Climate change induces more critical microplastic pollution and sediment resuspension in
eutrophic lakes, and conversely the presence of microplastics and resuspension events would
intensify these two environmental effects. Via evaluating the impacts of microplastics and
sediment resuspension on climate change and eutrophication, it is favorable to provide

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recommendations for ecological protection and policy formulation in regard to the nutrient
input as well as the production and utilization of plastic. In this review, we explore how
climate change and eutrophication interact with microplastic pollution and sediment
resuspension in shallow lakes, highlighting that both of the latter two play a significant role in
the former two. Furthermore, future prospects are put forward on the further and deeper
research on the global warming and eutrophication in shallow lakes with microplastic
pollution.

Keywords: Climate change, Eutrophication, Microplastic pollution, Sediment resuspension,

Shallow lakes

12.Microplastic pollution in Vembanad Lake, Kerala, India: The first report of

microplastics in lake and estuarine sediments in India

S.Sruthy, E.V.Ramasamy

Abstract: We present the first study of microplastics in the sediments of Vembanad Lake, a
Ramsar site in India. Microplastics are emerging pollutants of increasing environmental
concern with a particle size of <5 mm, which originate from successive degradation of larger
plastic debris or are manufactured as small granules and used in many applications. The
impact of microplastics pollution on the environment and biota is not well known. Vast data
exist in the literature on marine microplastics while reports on freshwater ecosystems are
scarce. In this context, to examine the occurrence of microplastic particles (MPs) in the
Vembanad Lake, samples were collected from ten sites and processed for microplastic
extraction through density separation. Identification of the polymer components of MPs was
done using micro Raman spectroscopy. MPs were recovered from all sediment samples,
indicating their extensive distribution in the lake. The abundance of MPs recorded from the
sediment samples is in the range of 96–496 particles m−2 with a mean abundance of
252.80 ± 25.76 particles m−2. Low density polyethylene has been identified as the dominant
type of polymer component of the MPs. As clams and fishes are the major source of protein
to the local population, the presence of MPs in the lake becomes critically important, posing a
severe threat of contaminating the food web of this lake. This study, being the first report
from India on MPs in lake sediments, provide impetus for further research on the distribution
and impact of this emerging pollutant on the biota of many aquatic systems spread across
India.

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Keywords: Microplastics, Emerging pollutant, Plastic debris, Micro Raman spectroscopy,
Vembanad Lake

13.Microplastics pollution studies in India: a recent review of sources, abundances and

research perspectives - a comparison with global research.

Karthikeyan Perumal

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous, persistent pollutants reported in abundance in

all environments and biota. The main objective of this review is to identify the sources,
distribution, and concentration of microplastics in all aquatic environments and biota in India.
It is one of the least studied, with only 45 papers published on microplastics during 2013–
2020 in the web of science. To define the concentration of microplastics in different aquatic
environments such as 3096 items/kg in marine sediments, 106 items/kg in biota, 59 items/L
in seawater, 175 items/kg in sea salt, 33.9 items/L in lake water, 336 items/kg in lake
sediments, 288 pieces/m3 in river water, and 328 items/kg in river sediments. Hence we
investigated MPs pollution in coastal and freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and
biota. However, knowing that many aquatic habitats and species were unexplored, we
recommend extending investigations in all of the following areas. To reduce plastic
consumption and its eventual threat to aquatic ecosystems, researchers should assess studies
in each of these ways. Enforcing severe regulations, enhancing legal activities, well-planned
comprehensive waste management plans, and spontaneous public engagement are also
required to prevent land-based plastic pollution.

Keywords: Microplastics, biota, sea salt, beaches, islands, estuaries, sediments, India

14.Microplastics in the high-altitude Himalayas: Assessment of microplastic

contamination in freshwater lake sediments, Northwest Himalaya (India)

Kannaiyan Neelavannan, Indra Sekhar Sen, Aasif Mohmad Lone, Kalpana Gopinath

Abstract: In this study, we assess the magnitude, type, and sources of microplastic (MP) in
lake bottom sediments collected from freshwater Anchar Lake, located in the Kashmir
Valley, Northwest Himalaya. The MP identification was done on twenty-four lake bottom

18
sediment samples under a stereo-microscope, and their polymer compositions were
characterized using an Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR)
spectroscopy. The study reveals that 606 ± 360 (average ± SD, n = 24) numbers of MP were
present per kilogram of dry sediment samples, with fibers (91%), fragments/films (8%), and
pellets (1%) dominating the shape groups. Polyamide (PA, 96%) was the dominant polymer
composition present in the sediment samples, followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET,
1.4%), polystyrene (PS, 1.4%), polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 0.9%), and polypropylene (PP,
0.7%). Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were used to evaluate
the quality of sediments. It was noted that high PHI values (>1000) were due to the presence
of PVC polymer. According to PLI values, sediments in the Anchar lake are less
contaminated with MP. We conclude that MP in the Anchar Lake have a complex source
derived mostly from the automobile, textile, and packaging industries.

Keywords: Microplastic pollution,Himalayan lakes, Lake bottom sediments, Fourier

Transform Infrared, Microplastic sources

15.Quantification of microplastic in Red Hills Lake of Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, India

Kalpana Gopinath, Srinivasalu Seshachalam, K Neelavannan, VidyasakarAnburaj, Melita

Rachel, Sushmitha Ravi, Manikanda Bharath & Hema Achyuthan

Abstract: Inevitable use of plastic materials in our day-to-day life has led to the entry of
microplastic into aquatic environments, which are plastics less that than 5 mm. Microplastic
is of great concern in recent years due to its impact on humans and aquatic organisms since
they absorb organic contaminants and pathogens from the surrounding media due to higher
surface and volume ratio. This is the first study attempted to study the distribution and source
of microplastic contamination in Red Hills Lake which is one of the freshwater systems
supplying water to the North of Chennai city. Thirty-two sediment samples and six water
samples were collected covering an area 18.21 km2. The presence of microplastic was
analyzed in water and sediment as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) protocol. The mean concentration of microplastic in water samples was 5.9
particles/L and 27 particles/kg in sediment. In both sediments and water, the most commonly
found microplastic types are as follows: fibers (37.9%), fragments (27%), films (24%), and
pellets (11.1%). Based on the FTIR, the common types of microplastic were of high-density
polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Further samples

19
were evaluated for surface elemental composition in order to understand whether heavy
metals get adhered to the surface of microplastic using energy-dispersive X-ray. Our results
indicated the presence of microplastic in water and sediments which will lead to further study
of microplastic presence in biota and microplastic pollution in freshwater systems.

Keywords: Inevitable, Organic contaminants, NOAA protocol, Low density polyethylene

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 Chapter 3

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Aim:

To observe, identify and detect microplastic in water sample (Kala Talab).

Objective:

The plastic utilization of human beings has become increasingly high due to the versatility,
stability, light weight, and low production costs of the plastics globally. Our society relies on
plastics since commercial production began in about 1950. Most of the plastics are discarded
on land and waterbodies after their initial use.

Microplastics arise from land disposal, wastewater treatment, tire wear, paint failure, textile
washing, and at-sea losses. Microplastics arise from the degradation (breakdown) of larger
plastic products through natural weathering processes after entering the environment. It is
really important to observe and identify the presence of microplastics in our surroundings so
that the disposal of plastic is reduced in that particular water body. Proper awareness
programme with correct data analysis is required for this purpose.

To tackle the global pollution caused by the plastics the proper research and checking of
water samples must be done. This provides us an idea as how we should proceed further in
our work.

My project revolves around the idea of detection of microplastic in the water body resource
around me. This will help to find out ways in which we can reduce the microplastic
generation and switch to more eco-friendly option in our society.

Hence, my objective is to observe the microplastic that will be detected and try to identify
what will be their type.

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 Chapter 4

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study area

Kala talao was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur and located at a distance of a kilometre and half
from Kalyan railway station. It covers around 24 acres area. Earlier known as Shenale lake, it
is managed and maintained by Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).

Fig. No. 4.1 Areal map view of Kala Talav

Fig. No. 4.2 Kala Talav

As per the study by SKDCL, Kala talao is approached by an 18-m wide concrete road. There
are two entry gates, one on the southern side nearby a Masjid and another on the north eastern
side near Bal Thackeray Memorial.
The lake is used for recreation purpose only.

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Material and method

• Sampling

The zooplankton net containing a pore size of 0.3mm was used for the sampling of water.
The net used for sampling was rinsed properly to avoid any contamination.

The flow rate or the velocity of the river also measured before the collection of the
sample. The significance of determining the flow rate is that it gives us the idea of the
abundance of the microplastic that is present in the water.

• Sieving

According to the size of the material that is to be examined the size of sieve is chosen.
The size of microplastic is below 5mm. So the sieves are also chosen accordingly.

The sieves were organised into two different manners. The 0.3 mm sieve was put at the
bottom and 5 mm sieve was put above it. The collected samples were passed through both
the sieves.

Fig. No. 4.3 sieve used for sampling

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• Digestion

In the process of digestion the collected sample is weighed and the potassium hydroxide
is added to the sample. 10% KOH was added of the mass of sample.

The beaker Containing the sample was placed on a hot plate with a temperature of 80
degree Celsius and the rotation speed was set up at 5 RPM.

All the organic matter of the sample was digested by the KOH and the inorganic plastic
material was observed under binocular microscope.

Fig. No. 4.4 Hot plate

Fig. No. 4.5 Beaker containing sample

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 Chapter 5

OBSERVATION AND RESULT

Observation

A Binocular light microscope was used for the observation of the microplastic in the water
sample collected from Kala Talav (a recreational place for different age group of people
maintained by the KDMC). A binocular microscope is any optical microscope with two
eyepieces to significantly ease viewing and cut down on eye strain. A microscope having two
eyepieces, one for each eye, so that the object can be viewed with both eyes. This gives more
efficient and clear results.

The digested sample was viewed under the binocular microscope with proper lights and focus
by adjusting the microscope.

With the help of tweezers, the particles of the digested sample in the Petri dish were
manipulated.

25
Result

The organic content of the sample was digested by the potassium hydroxide in 24 hours.
KOH solution can facilitate the study of plastics, ingested by marine organisms.

KOH is a suitable solvent to dissolve organic material. KOH does not affect most plastic
types. Polymers affected by KOH are CA and some biodegradable plastics. KOH is used to
dissolve organic materials leaving synthetic particles unaffected.

FIBRE
MICROPLASTIC

Fig. No. 5.1 – light microscope image (magnification- 10x)

In the result we could clearly see that the organic matter was digested and the non-digested
synthetic material that is microplastic is left out. The synthetic materials were clearly visible
under the microscope. These were the strands of the fibrous microplastic.

Plastic ingestion by marine wildlife such as seabirds, marine mammals and turtles has
received attention in many publications since the late 1960s.

26
Based on the observation and methodology the microplastic was detected in the water sample
of the Kala Talav.

Annual plastic production has surpassed the 300 million tons mark and the global presence of
microplastics in the aquatic ecosystems has emerged as a high-profile contaminant issue.
These results demonstrate that microplastics pollution is a global issue.

DIGESTED ORGANIC
MATERIAL

Fig. No. 5.2 – light microscope image (magnification- 10x)

27
 Chapter 6

CONCLUSIONS

Microplastics pollution has become an urgent problem that may have significant and long-
term effects on the environment; in particular, on aquatic ecosystems.

This study was designed to investigate the presence of microplastics pollution in water body
(Kala Talav). By analysing water samples from the lake, we revealed microplastics pollution
in Lake water.

These results suggest that reducing human activities could aid remediation of the
microplastics pollution in Kala Talav. This work has established an indication of the presence
of microplastics, and its findings are important for better informing researchers in future
studies and as a basis for managerial actions. Further studies are required to investigate the
effects and sources of microplastics pollution.

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 REFERENCES

• Biodegradation of photo-degraded mulching films based on polyethylenes and

stearates of calcium and iron as pro-oxidant additives
Int. Biodeter. Biodegr., 65 (3) (2011), pp. 451-459

• Polyethylene devices: passive samplers for measuring dissoled hydrophobic

organic compounds in aquatic environments
Environ. Sci. Technol., 41 (2007), pp. 1317-1323

• A study of degradation of low density polyethylene under natural weathering

conditions
Eur. Polymer J., 16 (7) (1980), pp. 601-605

• Biodegradation of synthetic polymers. 2. Limited microbial conversion of C-14 in

polyethylene to (CO-2)-C-14 by some soil fungi
J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 22 (1978), p. 3419

• The three stages in degradation of polymers – polyethylene as a model substance

J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 35 (1988), pp. 1289-1302

• Simulated marine respirometry of biodegradable polymers

J. Polym. Environ., 2 (4) (1994), pp. 237-244

• BOOK REFERENCE
1) Handbook of Microplastics in the Environment
2) Plastic and Microplastic in the Environment: Management and Health Risks
3) Freshwater Microplastics: Emerging Environmental Contaminants?
4) Microplastics in Water and Wastewater - 2nd Edition

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