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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Assessment, characterization, and quantification of microplastics from river sediments
Baskaran Maheswaran1, Natchimuthu Karmegam2, Mysoon Al-Ansari3
1Post Graduate and Research Department of Biotechnology, Jamal Mohamed College (Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620 020, Tamil Nadu, India.
Microplastic (MP) pollution in Kaveri River sediments poses a biological hazard. This study isolated, quantified, and characterized MPs, revealing microfragments as the dominant form and identifying various polymer types and surface damages.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MP) are emerging aquatic pollutants with significant biological risks.
- Understanding MP contamination in riverine systems is crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate, quantify, and characterize microplastic pollutants in Kaveri River sediments.
- To assess the types, forms, and distribution of MPs in the study area.
- To provide data for formulating regulations to reduce MP contamination.
Main Methods:
- Sediment samples collected from 14 sites along the Kaveri River.
- Microplastic isolation using a Sediment-MP Isolation (SMI) unit and density separation with hydrogen peroxide.
- Characterization via Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.
- Statistical analysis including Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
Main Results:
- Four MP forms (fragments, films, foams, fibers) were identified in various colors.
- Microfragments constituted the majority (79.72%) of MPs, with independent distribution from natural substrates.
- FT-IR confirmed the presence of polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
- SEM revealed significant surface damage, and EDX indicated the presence of elements such as Si, Mg, Cu, and Al on MPs.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully characterized MP contamination in Kaveri River sediments.
- The findings highlight the prevalence of microfragments and diverse polymer types.
- This research provides essential data for environmental management and MP reduction strategies in riverine ecosystems.
