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Microplastics are microscopic plastic particles that are now common contaminants in freshwater and marine environments, endangering human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. The study was conducted on Jhelum river in Kashmir and Mansar & Surinsar lakes in Jammu, India aimed at identifying and classifying the microplastics, determining seasonal variations in abundance and composition, and health impacts on humans. A total of 36 surface water samples were collected (3 samples from each waterbody in each season) using a Neuston net and grab sampler. A questionnaire was prepared to study the effects of microplastic on human health which took an account of 200 respondents in total around the waterbodies. Fragments were found to be the most prevalent microplastic type, with 100-300 µm particles being the most abundant. Seasonal trends showed highest concentrations during summer while winter recorded the lowest levels. Tourism and agriculture in the lakes, as well as industrial trash in the Jhelum River, were the main sources of microplastics. Areas with higher pollution levels, especially those close to the Jhelum River, have noticeably higher health effects, including respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal disorders. In order to address microplastic pollution and the hazards that come with it, the study emphasizes the necessity of focused mitigation measures such as better waste management, industry restrictions, and public awareness campaigns.
Keywords:
Microplastic; water pollution; Jhelum; Mansar Lake; Surinsar lake; health impacts; abundance; temporal variations
Cite Article:
"Identification, seasonal abundance and human impacts of microplastics in lakes and river of Jammu & Kashmir, India", International Journal of Science & Engineering Development Research (www.ijrti.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 1, page no.b8-b16, January-2025, Available :http://www.ijrti.org/papers/IJRTI2501123.pdf
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ISSN:
2456-3315 | IMPACT FACTOR: 8.14 Calculated By Google Scholar| ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 8.14 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator