JOURNAL ARTICLE

Environmental Risks of Microplastics on the Spatial and Temporal Gradient in a River Originating from the Western Himalayas.

  • Published In: Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry, 2023, v. 42, n. 3. P. 727 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hafeez, Saba; Qadir, Abdul; Aslam, Mehmood; Aslam, Hafiz Muhammad Umer; Rehmat, Muhammad Salman; Ahmad, Sajid Rashid 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on assessing microplastic pollution and its potential ecological risks in the surface water of the Chenab River, Pakistan. Sampling conducted during low-flow (postmonsoon) and high-flow (monsoon) seasons revealed microplastics in all sites, with higher concentrations in the low-flow season (average 45.98 microplastics/m³) compared to the high-flow season (34.66 microplastics/m³). Fibers were the dominant microplastic shape, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) were the most abundant polymers identified. Environmental risk assessments using the polymer risk index, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index indicated that microplastic pollution posed minor ecological risks at all sites and seasons. The study provides baseline data to inform future monitoring and management efforts aimed at mitigating microplastic contamination in this important freshwater ecosystem.

Additional Information

  • Source:Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry. 2023/03, Vol. 42, Issue 3, p727
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Environmental Sciences
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0730-7268
  • DOI:10.1002/etc.5559
  • Accession Number:162081811
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