Study finds microplastic residue in lake bank soil
Butadiene Styrene
microplastic pollution
lake ecosystem
waste management
In September last year, a group of researchers found a large amount of microplastic in the surface water of Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake. They had deduced that plastic pollution was mainly due to heavy domestic waste disposal in the water body.This issue of microplastic contamination has now been reported from Bellandur and. A team of researchers from Christ University has found microplastics in the bank sediment of both lakes.The microplastics derived from Bellandur bank sediment had characteristics of Acrylonitrileand Polystyrene. Whereas, the microplastics from Madiwala had a unique blend of Polypropylene, polystyrene and PS and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).Notably, researchers also underline that both water bodies are surrounded by urban areas and are affected by sewage inlets, waste dumping, and commercial boating. There were no visible microplastics obtainable from the water samples of both lakes. However, microplastics were segregated from the bank sediments.City-based lake activists and experts sayin lakes, although a known secret, should be dealt with sooner rather than later, as it can have an adverse impact on aquatic life and theoverall.'It is no surprise that Bellandur and Madiwala lakes are contaminated with microplastics. It is bound to happen considering the rampant use of single-use plastic (SUP) and its improper disposal. While SUPs have been banned since 2016 in Karnataka, these items are readily available everywhere across the city. Even the Centre's ban in 2022 has had no impact. However, considering their adverse impact on the health of aquatic animals and also on us humans, authorities must take cognizance of the matter,' said a city-based lake activist.'Bengaluru'sinfrastructure is crumbling, leading to such issues. BBMP must focus on an effective waste collection and disposal system, apart from bringing in recycling program. Bengaluru should also have a filtration system for its stormwater drains to capture plastic from entering water bodies,' said the activist.
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