Microplastics Accumulation And Distribution In The Surface Water And Sediment Of The Kosasthalaiyar River, Tamil Nadu, India

Rivers serve a critical role in the migration of microplastics from the land to the ocean. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are fragmented from macroplastics or intentionally manufactured for a variety of purposes. The Kosasthalaiyar River, the largest of Chennai's three rivers, is less well-known, less contaminated and flows through the city's northern regions before emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Ennore Creek. In the current study we investigated the distribution and accumulation of microplastics from the various sources of the pollutants, such as anthropogenic activities around the river and estuary, as well as the Buckingham Canal discharge, all flowing through this river into the Bay of Bengal. The water and sediment samples from different sampling sites were collected, extracted and examined under a microscope. The spatial distribution of microplastic concentrations were higher in Buckingham Canal (water) and Ennore estuary (sediment) due to the sewage discharge and anthropogenic activities. Fibres were the most prevalent shape in the sediment and water samples. Smaller-sized microplastics, ranging from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, were prevalent in the water and sediment samples. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis resulted in the chemical composition including polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and nylon. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibited the MPs with cracks and pits. This work enhances our understanding of the destiny, origins, and migration of microplastics from this river to the ocean. The implementation of efficient pollution control techniques helps to protect the river for future generations.