IWRA 2023 Online Conference - Emerging Pollutants: Protecting Water Quality for the Health of People and the Environment
Theme 5: PRIORITY emerging pollutants in the hydrocycle: microplastics, nanomaterial, PFAs and PPCPs
Author(s): Nivetha E.
Nivetha E. Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering Annamalai University
Oral: PDFAbstract
INTRODUCTION
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Microplastics have recently been detected in drinking water as well as in drinking water sources.
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However, there have been questions regarding the quality of these occurrence studies since there are no standard sampling, extraction and identification methods for microplastics.
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Accordingly, we assessed the quality of more than thirty studies researching microplastics in drinking water and in its major freshwater sources.
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This includes an assessment of microplastic occurrence data from river and lake water, groundwater, tap water and bottled drinking water.
The study on “ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN FRESHWATER SOURCES” emerged with the research question: HOW DO MICROPLASTIC CAUSES EFFECTS ON FRESH WATER?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
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To provide the comprehensive review of sources, types and characteristics of a microplastics and Microbeads found in study area.
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To develop and test sampling methods for detection and quantification and to review the various microplastics assessment methodologies for different types of sources.
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To sample and analyse microplastics and micro particles in a variety of fresh waters, including river water, tap water and groundwater.
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To summarise the ecological impacts of microplastic pollution in fresh water and compare the results of urban and rural water supply.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
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We conclude that based on the limited number of high quality studies identified, standardization of microplastic analysis in water is needed.
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As research on microplastics in freshwaters is in its infancy, only arising in the last five years, many questions remain and further research is needed to:
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develop optimal methodology for monitoring microplastics in freshwater systems;
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quantify all aspects driving presence, abundance and distribution of microplastics in the environment;
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assess the potential of rivers to be a source of microplastic to the oceans;
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assess and understand microplastic interactions with biota;
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assess microplastic impacts on ecosystem services; and
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evaluate the consequences of microplastic for humans in both urban and rural water.
January 18th, 2023 / 09:35 CET