Spatial and vertical distribution of microplastics and their ecological risk in an Indian freshwater lake ecosystem

This study investigated the spatial and vertical distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the water and sediment samples collected from different locations in Kodaikanal Lake, a very popular tourist location. The lake provides water to placesdownstream. MPs are found in the surface water, surface sediment and core sediment, with their respective values of abundance being 24.42 +/- 3.22 items/l, 28.31 +/- 5.29 items/kg, and 25.91 +/- 7.11 items/kg. Spatially, abundance, colour, type and size of MPs vary in the samples of surface water and sediment. The highest levels of MPs are found in the lakes' outlet region. MPs detected are primarily fibres and fragments 3-5 mm in size with PE and PP being the predominant polymers. Seven sampling points were selected to investigate the vertical distribution of MPs. In the core sediment, the abundance and size of MPs decrease with depth. This probably indicates the presence of more MPs in the recent sediment. The core sediment is dominated by sand silt clay fractions, which facilitates potential downward infiltration of fine MPs. SEM images of MPs reveal that the degree of weathering increases with depth, and EDAX shows that smooth MP surface displays a lesser adhesion ability than the rough surface. Plastic wastes generated by tourism are the important source of MPs in the lake. The lake has high PHI values (>1000) due to MPs with high hazard score polymers (PS and PEU), whereas the PLI values (1.33) indicate low level of MP pollution representing a minor ecological risk. The MP level in Kodaikanal Lake is influenced by the lake's hydrology and the sources of pollution. Although the impacts of MP pollution on the health and functioning of the environment is uncertain, observing, understanding and halting of further MP contamination in the Kodaikanal Lakes is important.

Automated summary

This study investigated the distribution of microplastics in Kodaikanal Lake, finding that microplastics are present in both the water and sediment samples. The abundance and characteristics of microplastics vary spatially and vertically, with the highest levels found in the lake's outlet region. The study also identified plastic wastes generated by tourism as an important source of microplastics in the lake. The study highlights the need to observe, understand, and mitigate microplastic contamination in Kodaikanal Lake.