Authors :
Dassanayake H.G.D.M.; Kalaimathy S.N.; Najim M.M.M.
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
http://tinyurl.com/ywst382x
Scribd :
http://tinyurl.com/3anw5tv5
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10521926
Abstract :
Microplastics, which are ubiquitous in the
environment, have been defined as any synthetic particle
or polymeric matrix; with a size less than 5 mm. Over the
past few years, several studies worldwide have detected
microplastics in treated tap water. This has raised
concerns regarding the potential impact of Microplastic-
contaminated drinking water on human health.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments in Sri
Lanka is severe, and enough precautions have not been
taken so far for its prevention. This study aims to explore
microplastic presence, quantities, and spatial distribution
in the surface water of the Kelani River in Sri Lanka, and
their removal efficiency during drinking water treatment.
Seven sampling sites were chosen, and collected samples
underwent wet sieving, wet peroxide oxidation, density
separation, and microscopic observation. Microplastics
were categorized by size, shape, and color. When
comparing the findings of this study, it can be concluded
that the Kelani River has a critical level of microplastics
(5.01±0.34 Particles/L). The percentage removal of
microplastics through water treatment may 82.4%.
Among the various shapes of microplastics present in each
sampling site, micro fragments were the most prevalent in
raw water samples. This study enriches the database on
microplastic pollution in Kelani River-Sri Lanka, aiding
future preventive efforts.
Keywords :
Microplastic; Size Category; Shape Category; Drinking Water; Water Treatment.
Microplastics, which are ubiquitous in the
environment, have been defined as any synthetic particle
or polymeric matrix; with a size less than 5 mm. Over the
past few years, several studies worldwide have detected
microplastics in treated tap water. This has raised
concerns regarding the potential impact of Microplastic-
contaminated drinking water on human health.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments in Sri
Lanka is severe, and enough precautions have not been
taken so far for its prevention. This study aims to explore
microplastic presence, quantities, and spatial distribution
in the surface water of the Kelani River in Sri Lanka, and
their removal efficiency during drinking water treatment.
Seven sampling sites were chosen, and collected samples
underwent wet sieving, wet peroxide oxidation, density
separation, and microscopic observation. Microplastics
were categorized by size, shape, and color. When
comparing the findings of this study, it can be concluded
that the Kelani River has a critical level of microplastics
(5.01±0.34 Particles/L). The percentage removal of
microplastics through water treatment may 82.4%.
Among the various shapes of microplastics present in each
sampling site, micro fragments were the most prevalent in
raw water samples. This study enriches the database on
microplastic pollution in Kelani River-Sri Lanka, aiding
future preventive efforts.
Keywords :
Microplastic; Size Category; Shape Category; Drinking Water; Water Treatment.
