Authors: Sunil Kumar, Damodar Prasad Dewanda, Bharti Soni
Abstract: Microplastic pollution is an emerging threat to freshwater ecosystems, yet its occurrence and behavior in wetland environments remain underexplored. This study investigates the concentration, geochemical composition, and spatial distribution of microplastics in selected freshwater wetlands. Water and sediment samples were collected across multiple sites representing varied hydrological and land-use settings. Microplastic particles were identified and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was employed to visualize spatial patterns and identify potential pollution hotspots. The results reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in microplastic abundance, with higher concentrations near agricultural runoff zones and urban peripheries. Geochemical analysis indicates a dominance of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, suggesting multiple anthropogenic sources. This study underscores the role of wetlands as both sinks and transport pathways for microplastics and highlights the need for integrated management strategies to mitigate plastic pollution in freshwater environments.
