Microplastic Contamination in Harike Wetland, a Ramsar Site in Punjab: An Environmental Assessment

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as pervasive pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, posing significant threats to environmental health and food chain integrity. This study focuses on the presence, distribution and characteristics of MPs in water samples from the Harike wetland, a critical biodiversity hotspot in Punjab. Water samples were systematically collected and subjected to a comprehensive process involving filtration and subsequent analysis to isolate and identify MPs. Characterization of MPs was conducted based on their size, morphology and color, using advanced spectroscopic techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (py-GCMS). These analyses revealed the presence of MPs, with polyethylene and polypropylene emerging as the dominant polymer types in the samples. Seasonal variations in MP concentrations were evident, with the highest levels recorded during the summer season. Specifically, the dominant morphology of MPs was found to be fragments, indicating diverse sources and pathways of MP pollution within the wetland. The high levels of MPs present risks to aquatic life and ecosystem health, highlighting the need for better monitoring and mitigation strategies. This study also serves as a baseline for future research on the long-term ecological effects of MPs in aquatic environments.