Abundance of microplastics in urban lakes of Chennai, India and their possible health risks

Abstract

Microplastic debris is found all around us, from the food we eat to the water we drink. They primarily originate from macroplastic waste, which breaks down into tiny fragments. In this study, lakeshore sediments and lake water have been identified, characterized, and quantified to investigate the distribution of (MPs) particles. From 44 lakes, the lakeshore sediment and lake water samples have been collected. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and a Leica stereomicroscope were used to identify and visually count microplastic particles. According to the findings, 25 particles in 5 g of dry sediments (d. s.) and 57 particles in 1 l of microplastics have been found on average. At all the sampling locations, microplastics with a size of 1 mm–500 μm were the most prevalent. Based on the FT-IR results, it was found that plastic polymers such as nylon, PE, PS, PVC, PETE, PC, PMMA, PU, and PP were present in lakeshore sediment and water samples. From the present research findings, it is found that the lake water and shore sediments of the study region are polluted by the presence of microplastics of various sizes, shapes, and types, which may pose a risk to the lake ecosystem. From the spatial variation map of lake water and shore sediments, it has been revealed that water supply lakes contains high concentration of MPs. The presence of MPs particles can be lifetime cancer risk among the children and adults on consumption of lake water. This study provides the information on the characteristics, quantification, and health risk assessment of microplastics in surface water environments.