An Appraisal on the Microplastics Pollution in Aruvikkara Reservoir, Kerala, India

Background: Plastic and microplastic (MP) pollution are recognized as a major problem in fresh and marine water bodies. Anthropogenic activities contribute to this kind of pollution. Aruvikkara reservoir, one of the important reservoirs of Kerala, provide drinking water to the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. Methods: In this study, surface water samples from Aruvikkara reservoir were collected for the assessment of MP pollution during monsoon and post monsoon seasons in 2021. The MP particles were extracted following standard procedure, then examined using stereomicroscope. The particles were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for identification and its composition analysis. Results: The MP particles were categorized into different groups namely pellet, fragment, fiber, film and foam. Polyethylene, polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) were the major classes of MP polymer types identified in the water samples by FTIR spectroscopy. Conclusion: The MP particles may enter into the human body through consumption leading to metabolic changes. Moreover, MPs can enter the food web through trophic transfer, potentially disrupting the normal biological balance of the ecosystem.