New study reveals extent of microplastic pollution in Ashtamudi Lake

Sub: Environment

Sec: Protected area

Tag: Ashtamudi Lake

Study on Microplastic Pollution in Ashtamudi Lake

Study Title: “Microplastic contamination in Ashtamudi Lake, India: Insights from a Ramsar wetland”
Conducted by: Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala
Supported by: Ecomarine Project, Erasmus Programme of the European Union

Key Findings

Extent of Contamination:
- Microplastics are found in fish, shellfish, sediment, and water of Ashtamudi Lake.
- Fish accounted for 19.6% and shellfish for 40.9% of the microplastics in macrofauna.
- Types of microplastics: Fibers (35.6%), fragments (33.3%), and films (28%).
- The majority of particles were small, indicating high bioavailability to aquatic organisms.
Composition and Risks:
- Microplastics contain polymers such as nylon, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polysiloxane.
- Detected heavy metals included molybdenum, iron, and barium.
- The presence of these substances poses risks to both aquatic life and human health.
Sources of Pollution
- Untreated Waste: Municipal solid waste and plastic debris entering the lake.
- Domestic Waste: Discharges from nearby residences and resorts.
- Solid Waste Management: Inadequate handling of plastic waste in surrounding watershed areas.
- Fishing Equipment: Nets, cages, and monofilaments contribute significantly to nylon fibre pollution.

Significance and Recommendations

Urgent Actions Needed:
- Continuous monitoring of microplastics in lake water.
- Development of strategies to reduce microplastic pollution.
- Address potential public health concerns due to contaminated fish and shellfish consumption.

About Ashtamudi Lake:

Location: Kollam District, Kerala.
It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped (also described as octopus-shaped) water body, second only in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem of the state.
Ashtamudi means ‘eight hills or peaks ‘ in the local Malayalam language. The name is indicative of the lake’s topography with its multiple branches.
The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts.
Ramsar Status: Designated in 2002 due to its hydrological functions, biodiversity, and support for fish.
Eight arms of Ashtamudi estuary: Thevally Kayal, Kadapuzha Kayal, Kandachira Kayal, Kanjirottu Kayal, Kumbalathu Kayal, Kuripuzha Kayal, Perumon Kayal, Thekkumbhagum Kayal.
Kallada River is a major river discharging into the Ashtamudi Lake.

About Microplastics:

Microplastics are tiny bits of various types of plastic found in the environment.
They are a result of the fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic items, as well as the direct release of tiny plastic particles, often intentionally added to consumer products like cosmetics and cleaning agents.
The name is used to differentiate them from “macroplastics” such as bottles and bags made of plastic.
There is no universal agreement on the size that fits this bill — the U.S. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the European Chemical Agency define microplastic as less than 5mm in length.
Environmental Impact:
- Microplastics are not biodegradable.
- Thus, once in the environment, primary and secondary microplastics accumulate and persist.
- They can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to potential harm to aquatic life and bioaccumulation along the food chain.
- They can also carry toxic chemicals and pollutants, posing additional risks to organisms and ecosystems.

Source: TH