Back to Search Start Over

Accumulation of microplastics in bivalves within the Chandragiri River in South-Western India.

Authors :
Radhakrishnan, Nidhin Krishna Kadalassery
Sangeetha, Jeyabalan
Alabhai, Jadav Mulji
Jayasree, Poornendu
Source :
Anthropocene Coasts; 2/17/2024, Vol. 7 Issue 1, p1-13, 13p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

The pervasive presence of microplastics within river ecosystems has a profound and often underestimated detrimental impact. These minuscule yet persistent particles have infiltrated diverse biological habitats, making their detrimental effects on aquatic life increasingly concerning worldwide. The ability of microplastics to accumulate within aquatic organisms further exacerbates this concern. Consequently, the monitoring of microplastic pollution in surface water environments has emerged as a crucial endeavour, offering invaluable insights into the extent of this ecological threat. This study delved into the contamination levels of microplastics within two bivalve species, Perna viridis and Villorita cyprinoides, along the Chandragiri River in Kerala and Karnataka, South-West India, spanning eight distinct locations. The investigation yielded a significant discovery, with a total of 667 microplastic particles extracted from 288 individuals. On average, each individual bivalve harboured approximately 2.31 ± 0.93 microplastic items. Notably, these microplastic particles exhibited a wide range of morphological characteristics, underscoring their diverse origins and pathways into the ecosystem. Furthermore, five polymer types of microplastics were unequivocally confirmed through FTIR-ATR analysis, shedding light on the types of plastics that pose a threat to the riverine ecosystem. The findings of this study contribute to a growing body of evidence highlighting the global threat of microplastic pollution, urging international collaboration and innovative solutions to prevent further contamination and remediate existing microplastic burdens in aquatic environments. Highlights: • Microplastic contamination is a major concern in river ecosystems. • Microplastic in two bivalve species were characterized at Chandragiri River India. • The microplastics had diverse shapes and were composed of five different polymers. • This study emphasizes the need to tackle river microplastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
25614150
Volume :
7
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Anthropocene Coasts
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175755824
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44218-024-00038-w