Research

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Title :

Toxicity of microplastics and phthalates, their quantity, distribution, and causes in groundwater and surface water, and essential preventative measures on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, India, from Cuddalore to Nagapattinam.

Area of research :

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Principal Investigator :

Dr. sanjaigandhi Kaliyaperumal, Periyar University Centre For Postgraduate And Research studies, Tamil Nadu

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

Microplastics have become a significant concern in the natural world, causing significant environmental damage. While research on microplastic contamination in marine environments has been extensive, most studies have been qualitative, focusing on terrestrial or freshwater systems. This inquiry aims to provide more information about the presence of microplastics in habitats like freshwater and land. Microplastics are a hazardous type of pollution found in garbage and unclean water, and can infiltrate freshwater ecosystems through groundwater and precipitation. They can engage in biotic and abiotic interactions through processes such as interaction, settling, biodegradation, degradation, fragmentation, and entry into the food chain. The widespread presence of microplastics in the environment may be influenced by population density, urbanization, natural disasters, and human activity. Researchers are seeking long-term solutions to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of microplastic additives. This study, when combined with current developments in bioplastics and wastewater treatment, will provide more insight into identifying, detecting, characterizing, and tracking the degree of microplastics' harmful effects, potentially leading to more sustainable solutions.

Co-PI:

Dr. Puliyakurichi Mookkan Velmurugan, sathyabama Institute Of science And Technology (Deemed To Be University), Tamil Nadu-600119

Total Budget (INR):

29,97,570

Organizations involved