Advances in environmental research

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Preliminary studies on the microplastic pollution in Dal lake, Kashmir (first report)

  • Firdous, Juhi (Department of Advanced Science and Technology, National Institute of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Mathur, Yatindra Kumar (Department of Advanced Science and Technology, National Institute of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Jeelani, Mubashir (Department of Environmental Sciences, AAAM Degree College Bemina Srinagar) ;
  • Aziz, Adnan (Department of Biochemistry, Sri Pratap College) ;
  • Azmat, Seema (Department of Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering), Chandigarh University) ;
  • Mudasir, Syeed (Department of Environmental Sciences, AAAM Degree College Bemina Srinagar)
  • Received : 2020.03.18
  • Accepted : 2020.12.03
  • Published : 2020.12.25
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Abstract

We provide the first study on the occurrence of microplastics in Dal lake, Kashmir, India. Microplastics act as catastrophe that trigger many environmental problems. The key origins of microplastics are larger plastics, which split into smaller plastics after UV light disintegration. There is relatively little work carried out on the existence of microplastics. The present work has been undertaken on the occurrence of microplastics at four pre-selected sites (surface water) in Dal lake, Kashmir. The samples were taken to the laboratory to dissolve organic matter by using H2O2 (6%). To speed up the organic digestion; the treated mixture was heated on a hot plate at 70℃. The mixture was then subjected to density separation. The supernatant obtained was observed under the microscope (10X) and measurements were taken. At site-I, the microplastics ranged from 2-3 mm, site-II 5-6 mm, site-III 3-4 mm, site-IV 4-5 mm in thickness, indicating the presence of microplastics in the lake. The presence of microplastics indicated that the lake has undergone an anthropogenic change over a period of time. Our research highlights the value of enhancing the quality of the drainage system and sewage disposal. This work can be helpful to recognize successful microplastic control management techniques and possible threats associated with the Dal lake. So far, no such data on the presence of microplastics in Kashmir lakes is available.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors present a deep sense of gratitude to the Principal Govt. Degree College Bemina Srinagar for providing necessary laboratory facilities. We are also thankful to the Department of LAWWDA for helping in providing necessary literature.

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