Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science (한국수산과학회)
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Microplastic pollution in two industrial locations of the Karnaphuli River, Bangladesh: insights on abundance, types, and characteristics

  • Shahida Arfine Shimul (Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary & Animal Sciences University Chattogram) ;
  • Zannatul Bakeya (Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary & Animal Sciences University Chattogram) ;
  • Jannatun Naeem Ananna (Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary & Animal Sciences University Chattogram) ;
  • Antar Sarker (Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary & Animal Sciences University Chattogram) ;
  • Saifuddin Rana (Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary & Animal Sciences University Chattogram) ;
  • Sk. Ahmad Al Nahid (Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary & Animal Sciences University Chattogram)
  • Received : 2023.07.09
  • Accepted : 2023.09.20
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environments is a growing concern worldwide. This study investigated the abundance, types, and attributes of MPs in the surface water at two industrial sites (Avoimitro Ghat and Kalurghat) along the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Sampling was conducted over eight months across three transects encompassing a total area of 500 m at each site. A manta net of 200 ㎛ mesh size was used to sample MPs. The obtained samples were subsequently filtered, enumerated, and characterized using a stereo microscope and imaging software. The mean abundance of MP particles (per km2 ) was found higher in Avoimitro Ghat (94,861 ± 57,126) than in Kalurghat (31,343 ± 23,183). A significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the mean abundance of MP particles between the wet and dry seasons. The fragment group of MP exhibited the most abundant category, whereas the pellet category displayed the lowest. MPs with an elongated shape prevailed at both locations throughout all seasons. At Avoimitro Ghat, blue-colored MPs demonstrated the highest mean count, while in Kalurghat, the highest mean count belonged to brown-colored MPs. The size distribution of MPs differed between the two sites, with 1-2 mm MPs being plentiful in both seasons and Avoimitro Ghat, whereas MPs ranging from 500 ㎛ to less than 1 mm were abundant in Kalurghat. Ten (10) polymer types were found from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis with high levels of polypropylene atactic in both Avoimitro Ghat (32%) and Kalurghat (17%). The findings provide important insights into MP pollution in the Karnaphuli River, which may aid in developing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of MP pollution on the aquatic ecosystem and human health.

Keywords

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