Recent Investigation of Characterizing, quantifying, and Contamination of Microplastic in the surface water of Adyar River Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India

Recent Investigation of Characterizing, quantifying, and Contamination of Microplastic in the surface water of Adyar River Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Recent Investigation of Characterizing, quantifying, and Contamination of Microplastic in the surface water of Adyar River Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India Velmurugan P. M, Krishnan Vijayaprabhakaran, Devika P.T, Venkatesan S, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3839553/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract In the current scenario, microplastics are an ever-increasing contaminant that poses an environmental hazard to the surface water environment. The foremost objective of current research is to examine the identity, characterizing, spatial distribution throughout, and abundance of microplastics in the Adyar River estuary. Microplastics have been found in the estuary's water samples utilizing the NOAA approach. Polymers such as polyethylene (52%), polypropylene (32%), and polystyrene (16%) were often identified in all water sampling sites. Surface water (total microplastic items = 82; total sampling site = 12) was found to be contaminated with 1–9 items/site of various kinds of microplastics. Colorless (17.0%), white (15.0%), black (29.0%), green (11.0%), blue (13.0%), and red (15.0%) microplastics were found in the estuary's water of Adyar River. To investigate the characteristics of microplastics, analytical techniques such as FTIR and microplastics identified by stereo microscopy (SM) were utilized. The largest part frequent types of microplastic to be discovered in the surface water of estuary are fibers (39.0%), fragments (27.0%), films (16.0%), foam (11.0%), and pebbles (7.0%). This research represents a basis for a study on the microplastic pollution of the Adyar River estuary in Tamil Nadu, India. Microplastics Estuary’s surface water NOAA SM ATR-FTIR Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 1. Introduction Microplastics are very small plastic components that are sized less than five millimeters that form as an effect of the fragmentation as well as degradation of bigger synthetic or polymer objects (Dris et al. 2015 ; Peixoto et al. 2019 ). Because of their extensive prevalence in diverse habitats, particularly surface waters such as rivers and estuaries, they have become a major environmental problem (Weinstein et al. 2016 ; Auta et al. 2017 ; Boucher and Friot, 2017 ). Larger plastic items, such as bottles and bags, break down into very small plastic particles due to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) temperature variations, and mechanical forces (Kalpana Gopinath et al. 2020 ). Microplastics enter aquatic bodies via a variety of methods, including direct discharges from wastewater treatment plants into rivers and estuaries, as well as industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff (De Falco et al. 2019 ; UNEP, 2019 ). Water currents can transfer microplastics over large distances. Microplastics can reach the estuary from a multiplicity of sources, together with urban runoff, sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and marine trash (Conley et al. 2019 ; Talvitie et al. 2017 ). Understanding the key sources might assist in forecasting their dispersal. Tidal motions and water currents influence the dispersion of microplastics in an estuary. Microplastics may be pushed further into the estuary at high tides but may collect in select regions during low tides. Microplastics can settle and accumulate in estuarine sediments as well as mixed with surface and groundwater (Gray et al. 2018 ; Kole et al. 2017 ; Jiang et al. 2019). Some microplastics may be consumed by aquatic species, potentially causing them to move up the organism's food chains (Della Torre et al. 2014 ; Diepens and Koelmans, 2018 ). Recreational boating and fishing can potentially contribute to the spread of microplastics in estuaries by introducing more plastic pollution. Researchers would normally undertake studies involving the collecting of water and sediment samples at various sites and depths within the river estuary to examine the dispersion of microplastics (D’Angelo and Meccariello. 2021; Gray et al. 2018 ). Scientists can better grasp the level of the problem and devise measures to lessen its influence on the ecosystem by mapping the spread of microplastics and identifying their origins. They might be found in sediment or suspended in the water column. Estuaries, which are where rivers meet the sea, can act as a microplastic sink because particles from upstream areas can collect in these transition zones. Microplastics can absorb and concentrate hazardous chemicals in the environment (Veerasingam S et al. 2016 ). Aquatic organisms, ranging from zooplankton to bigger fish, can consume microplastics. This can cause physical injury, internal obstructions, decreased eating efficiency, and behavioral changes. Plastic waste is probably certainly prevalent in India's interior waters, according to numerous studies. Plastic, the most adaptable synthetic material, is used in almost every aspect of daily life (Andrea et al. 2020). Global plastic product output has expanded to around 300 million tonnes over the last 50 years. Rivers are the principal entrance site for waste plastic into marine habitats (Miguel Gonzalez-Pleiter et al. 2020; Gray et al. 2018 ). Although most synthetic or polymer pollution research has been conducted in the marine or oceanic environment, there is now a drive to explore the issue in freshwater habitats (Miguel Gonzalez-Pleiter et al. 2020). Plastic waste is probably certainly prevalent in India's interior waters, according to numerous studies. Plastic, the most adaptable synthetic material, is used in almost every aspect of daily life (Andrea et al. 2020). Global plastic product output has expanded to around 300 million tonnes over the last 50 years. There has been a lot of previous research done on the microplastic study from surface water and sediments in many estuaries around the world (Table 1), particularly four estuaries in Mauritius, (Doorgha Ragoobur et al. 2023 ) Sebou Estuary, and the Atlantic coast of Morocco (Haddout. S et al. 2021), and Golden Horn Estuary, Istanbul, Turkey. Microplastics collected from wild mussels in Sungai Laloh, Pasir Putih estuary ecosystems (Nurul Atikah Mohd Amin, and Shamila Azman. 2022). The current study's primary goal is to establish the spatial distribution and abundance of microplastics in a surface water sample from the Adyar River estuary. 2. Material and Methods 2.1. Study Area The Adyar River Estuary is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at 13° 0' 52.2648'' N and 80° 15' 34.6788'' E. The Adyar River begins near the Chembarambakkam Lake in the village of Chembarambakkam, which is located west of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Adyar River flows through several city neighborhoods and municipalities before draining into the Bay of Bengal. This River runs for around 42 kilometers (26 miles) from its headwaters to its mouth. The Adyar River has historically played an important part in the development of Chennai. It has long served as an important source of water for the city's population and has supported a variety of commercial activities. The Adyar River has experienced contamination over the years, especially as a result of the discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste. Several variables can influence the spatial distribution as well as dispersal of microplastics in the Adyar river estuary in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, East Coast of India. 2.2. Sampling Technique Surface water microplastic contamination has a substantial impact on ecological systems, especially river estuaries. In September 2023, twelve field water samples were taken manually at the estuary of the study area (Fig. 1 ; Table.2). In this current investigation, surface water samples were collected using a 750.0 ml indestructible collecting container with a zooplankton net (30.0 cm diameters, 1 m length) with a size of mesh of 0.15 millimeter. At the Adyar Estuary, the net was held manually across the flow of surface water to collect sub-merged and floating particles including microplastics (Fig. 2 ). Floating microplastics were collected and kept in a 750.0 ml collecting container by submerging the net to a depth of 40 cm. Each sample has been collected, carried, and stored in a glass half-liter borosil bottle (Velmurugan PM et al. 2023 ; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. 2020 ). 2.3. Process of Extraction: Wet Sieving and Hydrogen Peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) Oxidation A set of mesh sieves (stainless steel) with mesh sizes of 3.0 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters are used to filter the material from the estuary’s water samples. Any leftover materials were transferred to the sieves by using a squeeze bottle to wash the sample with distilled water. Make sure that every material has undergone thorough cleaning, draining, and sorting. Using a spatula and a squeeze bottle of distilled water, the materials were transferred from the 0.30-millimeter filter into a dry half-liter beaker. The beaker was placed in a drying oven that was set to 75°C for a 24-hour dryness test. (Julie Masura, et al. 2015 ). 25 ml of an aqueous Fe (II) solution (0.05 M) and a portion of the recovered solids with a size of 0.30 mm were put into a beaker. Next, 25 milliliters of 30% H2O2 were poured into the beaker holding the sediments that had been collected. Before moving on to the next stage, let the mixture sit at room temperature on the lab bench for five minutes. The beaker containing the solids was heated to 75°C on a hotplate. As soon as the boiling stops, the beaker is removed from the hotplate and placed inside the ventilation system. If the reaction appears to be about to overflow the beaker, a small amount of distilled water is added to slow it down. The mixture had been heated for a further half hour to 75°C. There was still visible natural organic material after adding 25 milliliters of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Until the organic natural elements were no longer apparent the preceding method was repeated. After that, density separation was used in conjunction with floatation to remove microplastics (Galgani et al. 2010 ). The material was air-dried and stored following filtration using Whatman membrane filters nylon (pore size = 0.45mm) (Julie Masura, et al. 2015 ; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. 2020 ). 2.4. Stereo Microscope to Microplastic Identification Using the Euromax Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope (Model No. DZ-1105), microplastics were discovered. With a shared main objective that is Plan Apochromatic tuned to produce the high contrast images and resolving power needed for high-tech applications, the DZ series is based on an incredibly precise Infinity Parallel Zoom body. A zoom body with a 1:6.3, 1:8, or even 1:10 zoom ratio is an option. A stereo binocular microscope including eyepieces with EWF 10X/22, a binocular stereo head with a 45° adjustable tube, and a zoom ratio of 01:10 with a total magnification range of 08 to 80 times. Every polymer particle is photographed by the lab computer and then stored after being measured for size (Fig. 3 ) (Velmurugan PM et al. 2023 ; Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. 2020 ). 2.5. ATR-FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis to study microplastics characterization Using an Agilent Cary 630 ATR-FTIR, the collected microplastics from the surface water of the Adyar estuary were characterized (Fig. 4 ). The most used sampling method for attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (Kalpana Gopinath, et al. 2020 ; Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021). Its ability to measure a wide range of sample types—including liquids, solids, powders, and semisolids. The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer raises precisely optimized sampling modules to the front of the FTIR engine with a modular design that allows for flexibility. ATR sensors differ based on the sample or application in question. Quick switching between different modules is made possible by permanently aligned optics, which eliminates the requirement for human alignment. The Cary 630 FTIR features an instantaneous switchable ATR sensor system and is compatible with a wide range of ATR sensors. ATR-FTIR characterization of polymers involves a multitude of investigations, including surface modification and fictionalization (Ahmed M, Othman, et al. 2023; Veerasingam, S et al. 2016 ; Carolina N, Pereza et al. 2022 ). Agilent's benchtop Cary 630 ATR-FTIR spectrometer is a small device that provides quick quantitative and qualitative data. With the Cary 630's modular ATR-FTIR spectrometer design, sampling interfaces can be quickly swapped out for a variety of samples and applications (Fig. 4 ). Because its ATR-FTIR spectrometer design is perfect for polymer analysis in polymer development, research, and development (Velmurugan PM et al. 2023 ; Mahir Tajwar et al. 2022 ; Suthep Jualaonget al. 2021 ; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. 2020 ; Joyce O, Kerubo et al. 2022 ). 3. Result and Discussion Estuaries are regions where rivers meet the sea, resulting in a distinct and dynamic habitat influenced by both freshwater and saltwater. The prevalence of microplastics in estuary water can be ascribed to several sources, including Pollutants, particularly microplastics, which are frequently carried by rivers into estuaries from upstream urban and industrial regions. Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor, as it can take up microplastics from roadways, landfills, and other sources. Estuaries are typically found near urban and industrial areas where plastic products and garbage are produced. These regions can be a source of microplastics, which eventually make their way into rivers and estuaries. Microplastics can become attached to river sediments. Microplastics are carried by these sediments when they settle in estuaries. Estuarine sediments can operate as microplastic reservoirs, harming the overall ecosystem. Estuaries' tidal action and currents can carry and redistribute microplastics. These motions may result in the accumulation of microplastics in specific parts of the estuary. Plastics in the environment can degrade into smaller particles due to processes such as photodegradation (the breakdown of plastics by sunshine) and mechanical abrasion. Water then transports the resultant microplastics more easily. Recreational activities such as boating and fishing in and around estuaries can contribute to the discharge of microplastics. Abrasion of boat hulls and fishing gear, for example, can produce microplastic particles that enter the water. The weathering process that breaks down plastic objects and fishing nets results in the finding of these synthetic polymers or microplastics in both ground and surface water as well as sediments, according to the following research results (Derraik et al. 2002; Kai Zhang et al. 2015 ; Obbard et al. 2014 ). Dry deposition due to wind movement is another probable avenue for microplastic. Another potential pathway for microplastic is dry deposition caused by wind transfer. Although additional research is necessary for this research region, such as car exhaust and tires, as well as dispersion and deposition over the land surface, atmosphere, and aquatic environment, may all contribute to microplastic transfer (Cai et al. 2017 ). According to the following research results, (Camarero et al. 2017 ; Nobre et al. 2015 ; Katrina L Kaposi et al. 2014 ; Anderson et al. 2016 ; David G Shaw and Robert H Day 1994; Stephanie L Wright et al. 2013 ) large plastic debris may have broken down into tiny bits and entered the water as a result of the lake's surrounding urbanization and wind-borne dry deposition. Use reusable bags, containers, and utensils instead of disposable plastics. Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Check the ingredient lists of cosmetic products and toothpaste to ensure they don't contain microplastic particles. Dispose of plastics in designated recycling bins or landfills, and never litter. Proper disposal helps prevent larger plastic items from breaking down into microplastics. Support and advocate for policies and regulations that restrict the manufacture and use of one-time-use plastic carry bags, microbeads, and other sources of microplastics. Educate your community and local businesses about the harmful effects of microplastics and the importance of reducing their use. Avoid clothing made from synthetic materials like polyester, as they shed microplastics when washed. Choose natural fibres like cotton or consider garments made from recycled plastics. Participate in or support initiatives that monitor and study microplastic pollution in coastal areas. This data can help in developing more effective strategies. The spatial distribution of microplastics retrieved from the surface water of the Adyar estuary is 82 particles from 12 sampling locations, with a mean value of 6.8 (Table 3). A maximum of 9 particles were discovered at the AE 1 sample site, while a minimum of 3 particles were discovered at the AE 7 sampling location (Table 3). 3.1. Color-based spatial distribution At each sampling point, microplastics of various colors were recovered from the Adyar River estuary’s water samples. Black (29%) and colorless (17%) microplastics outnumber white (15%), red (15%), blue (13%), and green (11%), respectively (Fig. 8 .b). When compared to other polymers, the distribution of microplastics is as follows: black (29 items) > colorless (14 items) > white (12 items) > red (12 items) > blue (11 items) > green (9 items) (Fig. 5 ). The estuary is frequently the site of significant human activity, such as industrial operations and urban growth. These actions may contribute to the release of black-colored microplastics from sources such as tires, road markings, building materials, and industrial emissions. According to Daniela A. Z.'s study, 34 black microplastic particles were found in groundwater in Northwest Mexico (Daniela A. Z. et al. 2022), which is more than the 29 particles found in current research. The current study reported a lower percentage of white microplastic particles (15%) than the Yangtze Estuary in China (64.7%) (Yubo Li et al. 2020 ). Furthermore, the percentage of colorless polymer items experiential in this current research (17%) is lesser than discovered in the Yangtze Estuary in China (64.7%) (Yubo Li et al. 2020 ). 3.2. Spatial distribution based on Shape: Microplastics of various sizes were extracted from the surface water of the Adyar Estuary at all sampling sites. Microplastics, fiber (39%), and fragment (27%) outnumber pebbles (7%), foam (11%), and film (16%) (Fig. 6 ). The Adyar River estuary's microplastics are dispersed as follows about other polymers: fibers (32 items), fragments (22 items), film (13 items), foam (9 items), and pebbles (6 items) (Fig. 6 ). The following factors are contributing to the present growth in fiber microplastics: Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic materials shed microfibers upon washing. These fibers can enter the water supply and end up in estuaries, oceans, and other bodies of water. Over time, synthetic fishing nets, lines, and gear can disintegrate into microplastic fibers. Microplastic fibers can be released into the environment through textile manufacture and processing. In contrast to the present research (82 items), Yubo's study (Yubo Li et al. 2020 ) found 51 microplastic particles in the Yangtze Estuary in China. Fragment (27%) is a lesser percentage than in Mauritius, South Africa (27 to 50%), according to recent research (Doorgha Ragoobur et al. 2023 ). In contrast to the current research, which finds 39% of fiber microplastics in the Yangtze Estuary in China, the Yubo et al. 2020 study found 33.3% of them there (Yubo Li et al. 2020 ). 3.3. Spatial distribution based on Chemical Composition: The ATR-FTIR method was utilized to ascertain the chemical structure or composition of microplastics (Fig. 4 ). We look into three main kinds of microplastics based on their chemical composition or chemical structure. Polyethylene (52%), polypropylene (32%), and Polystyrene (16%) are found in all sampling sites among the current research regions (Fig. 7 ). The following polymer products have a significant daily part in the global life cycle. Food packaging, CDs and DVDs, wire, paint and chemical containers, buckets, and bottles made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Microplastics, notably polyethylene microplastics, have become a major environmental concern around the world. Estuaries, which are transitional zones where rivers meet the sea, are especially sensitive to microplastic accumulation. Polyethylene is a form of plastic that is widely utilized in a variety of items, including packaging materials, bottles, and bags. The polyethylene content in the current study (52%) is greater than that of the Yangtze Estuary in China (37.3%; Yubo et al. 2020) and Mauritius, South Africa (28%; Doorgha Ragoobur et al. 2023 ) combined. The polypropylene distribution in this study, at 32%, is more than that of the Veeranam Lake's surface water (15%) (Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021) and lower than that of South Indian rivers (46.67%) (Simone Lechthaler et al. 2021 ). According to current study, polystyrene (16%) is higher than beach sand in the lower wrack zone (3%) of the reservoir in the North Mississippi in the United States ( Zhiqiang Gao et al. 2022 ), south Indian rivers (6.7%) (Simone Lechthaler et al. 2021 ), and lower than surface water in the Veeranam lake (19%) in south India (Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021). 3.4. Spatial distribution based on Size: All 12 sampling sites resulted in microplastics extracted in various sizes. Microplastics are particles with sizes ranging from less than 1 mm to 5 mm. According to the statistics, 59 items were found to be between 1 and 5 mm in size, while 23 items were determined to be less than 1 mm in size. Figure 7 , shows that 28% of microplastics less than 1 mm in size and 72% of microplastics between 1 and 5 mm in size were found across all sampling sites (Fig. 8 .a). In the present study from all sampling locations, microplastics extracted from groundwater based on size (0.60 mm – 3.80 mm) are larger than groundwater at Thirchendur, Coastal South India (0.12 mm- 2.50mm) (Selvam et al. 2021). 4. Conclusion The high productivity of estuaries, complex hydrodynamics, and diverse sedimentary environments can all contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in surface water. The environment and life are becoming increasingly concerned about microplastic contamination in water. The study identifies the sampling sites where the following microplastics were found: pellets, nylon, polyethylene, fiber, PVC, fragments, and foam. Fibers (39.0%), fragments (27.0%), films (16.0%), foam (11.0%), and pebbles (7.0%) were among the most typical kinds of microplastics discovered in estuary water samples. The most effective approach to address microplastic contamination is to minimize the manufacturing and consumption of plastic items. Governments and industry may collaborate to identify alternatives to single-use plastics and promote the use of biodegradable materials. Improve refuse collection and management procedures to prevent plastic items from entering water bodies. This includes improved recycling facilities as well as stricter plastic disposal regulations. Develop and implement innovative filtration systems in wastewater treatment plants to catch microplastics before they are discharged into rivers and seas. Educate the public on the dangers of plastic pollution and the need to reduce plastic waste. Continuously monitor and investigate the degree and impact of microplastic pollution in bodies of water. This will aid in establishing focused responses and comprehending the long-term consequences. Governments should develop and implement rules and regulations that encourage recycling and penalize industries that contribute to microplastic pollution. Declarations Acknowledgements The authors express their gratitude to Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (SIST) for providing support and facilities during the study. The authors thank to DST- SERB (CRG/2021/004694), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India for financial support. Ethical approval Not applicable. Consent to participate All the authors agreed to participate in this work. Consent for publication All the authors agreed to publish this work in Environmental Science and Pollution Research . Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Data Availability Available via corresponding author. Author Contributions: Conceptualization, validation, writing review, editing and supervision was carried out by Velmurugan P.M, Krishnan Vijayaprabhakaran, Devika P.T, Venkatesan S, Mohammad Suhail Meer, Rajesh Kumar M, and Kavisri M. 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Physics and Chemistry of the Earth. 130: 103391, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2023.103391. Vermaire JC, Pomeroy C, Herczegh SM, Haggart O, Murphy M (2017) Microplastic abundance and distribution in the open water and sediment of the Ottawa River, Canada, and its tributaries. Facets 2(1):301–314. Wang J, Peng J, Tan Z, Gao Y, Zhan Z, Chen Q, Cai L (2017) Microplastics in the surface sediments from the Beijiang River littoral zone: composition, abundance, surface textures and interaction with heavy metals. Chemosphere, 171:248–258 Weinstein JE, Crocker BK, Gray AD (2016) From macroplastic to microplastic: Degradation of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene in a salt marsh habitat. Environ Toxicol Chem, 35 (7), 1632–1640. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/etc.3432. Yuan W, Liu X, Wang W, Di M, Wang J (2019) Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition in water, sediments, and wild fish from Poyang Lake, China. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 170:180–187 Yubo Li, Zhibo Lu, Hongyuan Zheng, Juan Wang, Cheng Chen (2020) Microplastics in surface water and sediments of Chongming Island in the Yangtze Estuary. Environ Sci Eur. 32:15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-020-0297-7. Veerasingam S, Mugilarasan M, Venkatachalapathy R, Vethamony P (2016) Influence of 2015 flood on the distribution and occurrence of microplastic pellets along the Chennai coast, India. Mar Pollut Bull. 109(1), 196-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.082. Zhao S, Zhu L, Wang T, Li D (2014) Suspended microplastics in the surface water of the Yangtze Estuary System, China: first observations on occurrence, distribution. Mar Pollut Bull, 86(1–2):562–568. Zhiqiang Gao, Kendall Wontor, James V Cizdzie, Haitao Lu (2022) Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in beach sand near the outlet of a major reservoir in north Mississippi, USA. Microplastics and Nanoplastics. 2:10, https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-022-00029-z. Tables Table.2. All sampling sites from study area (AE - Adyar Estuary) . Sl. No Sample Code Latitude Longitude 1 AE 1 13° 0' 52.2648'' N 80° 15' 34.6788'' E 2 AE 2 13° 0' 59.1624'' N 80° 15' 56.1708'' E 3 AE 3 13° 0' 54.6372'' N 80° 16' 16.1076'' E 4 AE 4 13° 1' 3.3204'' N 80° 16' 34.2012'' E 5 AE 5 13° 0' 58.3416'' N 80° 16' 37.722'' E 6 AE 6 13° 0' 49.0752'' N 80° 16' 38.1396'' E 7 AE 7 13° 0' 44.4816'' N 80° 16' 37.8516'' E 8 AE 8 13° 0' 40.5468'' N 80° 16' 32.8872'' E 9 AE 9 13° 0' 38.7396'' N 80° 16' 20.4816'' E 10 AE 10 13° 0' 43.5168'' N 80° 15' 55.3752'' E 11 AE 11 13° 0' 41.8716'' N 80° 15' 44.7156'' E 12 AE 12 13° 0' 42.948'' N 80° 15' 33.984'' E Table.3. Spatial distribution of microplastic particles. Location No Sample code Number of plastic particles 1 AE 1 13 2 AE 2 10 3 AE 3 6 4 AE 4 8 5 AE 5 4 6 AE 6 5 7 AE 7 3 8 AE 8 6 9 AE 9 4 10 AE 10 6 11 AE 11 5 12 AE 12 12 Total 82 Mean 6.8 Maximum no of particles - 13 (AE 1) Minimum no of particles - 3 (AE 7) Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3839553","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":268957831,"identity":"65d75ca6-f1d9-4c31-bdad-7f159837426b","order_by":0,"name":"Velmurugan P. M","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAxUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFAC5gYQKQciDjwgTgsjWIsxWEsCKVoSwSRRWgyONzZ+Lsw5nD4/7PBDoC12croNhLScOdgsPXPb4dyNt9MMgFqSjc0OENAiOSOxQZp3W1ruxtkJIC0HErcR1DL/YfNvoJZ0w9npH4jTwi/B2Aa0xSZBXjqHSFv4eRLbrGduszHcIJ1TcCDBgAi/sLEfPny7cJuEvPzs9M0fPlTYyRHUAgLMIMIArNKACOVwLfINRKoeBaNgFIyCkQcA3IFFzAj93V8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Velmurugan","middleName":"P.","lastName":"M","suffix":""},{"id":268957832,"identity":"95f9e8d4-89ce-4231-80ba-7ea555e6ac85","order_by":1,"name":"Krishnan Vijayaprabhakaran","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Krishnan","middleName":"","lastName":"Vijayaprabhakaran","suffix":""},{"id":268957833,"identity":"5b820a99-71db-4ff9-b161-75e8880bbf09","order_by":2,"name":"Devika P.T","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Devika","middleName":"","lastName":"P.T","suffix":""},{"id":268957834,"identity":"07b5a4a2-a5d1-43fe-a109-1a000822c1ab","order_by":3,"name":"Venkatesan S","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Annamalai University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Venkatesan","middleName":"","lastName":"S","suffix":""},{"id":268957835,"identity":"8d5df08a-65fd-4e9d-8aba-012c20b6e350","order_by":4,"name":"Mohammad Suhail Meer","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohammad","middleName":"Suhail","lastName":"Meer","suffix":""},{"id":268957836,"identity":"e81ccd30-dea7-4a26-9cbb-746671999687","order_by":5,"name":"Rajesh Kumar M","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rajesh","middleName":"Kumar","lastName":"M","suffix":""},{"id":268957837,"identity":"3f63d63c-4b10-44c2-b846-62b81eadf10a","order_by":6,"name":"Kavisri M","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kavisri","middleName":"","lastName":"M","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-01-06 11:14:38","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3839553/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3839553/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":50180609,"identity":"ceaf3f1b-5188-454d-8b80-e706ca9ee074","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 18:02:57","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1594785,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eStudy area – Estuary of Adyar River.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/35752c1ec4a0842202030e80.png"},{"id":50180232,"identity":"6767966c-1c1f-4a7f-9c4c-1f964207376a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 17:54:57","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1653727,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSurface water sample collection with zooplankton net at Adyar river estuary.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/be5f2eccf08cf6ee0402f0e2.png"},{"id":50180231,"identity":"f8110034-8fca-40f5-bc9d-b8504a77b302","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 17:54:57","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1305949,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eIdentification of microplastics via Stereo Microscope. a. fragment, b. pebble, c. fibre, and d. film.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/d5300cd2ae7bcd2b899aa2d4.png"},{"id":50180233,"identity":"5fa9f93a-36a6-4be2-8aee-e50878eed72e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 17:54:57","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1440336,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eResults of ATR-FTIR analysis. a. polyethylene, b. polypropylene, c. polystyrene.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/4cdae3f8632088cf4676af52.png"},{"id":50180229,"identity":"cee77454-df03-4ab9-906e-2640be0c55e9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 17:54:57","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":84953,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSpatial distributions of microplastics based on color.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/3e2836ad02fbbb41fffba114.png"},{"id":50180228,"identity":"9e909394-bdb3-4262-80cd-f315ba896dda","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 17:54:57","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":77684,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage and spatial distributions of microplastics based on shape.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/7291974a8be2547055fd4e61.png"},{"id":50180227,"identity":"e84e4d34-cca8-4ae5-8c69-193ea7e97057","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 17:54:57","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":67244,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage and spatial distributions of microplastics based on chemical composition.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/77d7afb5442fa1857d205e99.png"},{"id":50180610,"identity":"37adfabc-b956-4a62-a7f6-6900faeef6e6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-25 18:02:57","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":76212,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage of microplastics in size wise (a), color wise (b).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/62d1f0e649e6363e45c6cef4.png"},{"id":63332165,"identity":"9b102eb2-fbd1-4840-bb86-bbb3ef5e1510","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-27 04:44:28","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":10091167,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3839553/v1/9a1d6a5c-ca9b-493b-9b11-d6b522724dbc.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Recent Investigation of Characterizing, quantifying, and Contamination of Microplastic in the surface water of Adyar River Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eMicroplastics are very small plastic components that are sized less than five millimeters that form as an effect of the fragmentation as well as degradation of bigger synthetic or polymer objects (Dris et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Peixoto et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Because of their extensive prevalence in diverse habitats, particularly surface waters such as rivers and estuaries, they have become a major environmental problem (Weinstein et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Auta et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Boucher and Friot, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Larger plastic items, such as bottles and bags, break down into very small plastic particles due to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) temperature variations, and mechanical forces (Kalpana Gopinath et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Microplastics enter aquatic bodies via a variety of methods, including direct discharges from wastewater treatment plants into rivers and estuaries, as well as industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff (De Falco et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; UNEP, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Water currents can transfer microplastics over large distances. Microplastics can reach the estuary from a multiplicity of sources, together with urban runoff, sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and marine trash (Conley et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Talvitie et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Understanding the key sources might assist in forecasting their dispersal. Tidal motions and water currents influence the dispersion of microplastics in an estuary.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMicroplastics may be pushed further into the estuary at high tides but may collect in select regions during low tides. Microplastics can settle and accumulate in estuarine sediments as well as mixed with surface and groundwater (Gray et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Kole et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Jiang et al. 2019). Some microplastics may be consumed by aquatic species, potentially causing them to move up the organism's food chains (Della Torre et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Diepens and Koelmans, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Recreational boating and fishing can potentially contribute to the spread of microplastics in estuaries by introducing more plastic pollution. Researchers would normally undertake studies involving the collecting of water and sediment samples at various sites and depths within the river estuary to examine the dispersion of microplastics (D\u0026rsquo;Angelo and Meccariello. 2021; Gray et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Scientists can better grasp the level of the problem and devise measures to lessen its influence on the ecosystem by mapping the spread of microplastics and identifying their origins. They might be found in sediment or suspended in the water column. Estuaries, which are where rivers meet the sea, can act as a microplastic sink because particles from upstream areas can collect in these transition zones. Microplastics can absorb and concentrate hazardous chemicals in the environment (Veerasingam S et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Aquatic organisms, ranging from zooplankton to bigger fish, can consume microplastics. This can cause physical injury, internal obstructions, decreased eating efficiency, and behavioral changes. Plastic waste is probably certainly prevalent in India's interior waters, according to numerous studies. Plastic, the most adaptable synthetic material, is used in almost every aspect of daily life (Andrea et al. 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlobal plastic product output has expanded to around 300\u0026nbsp;million tonnes over the last 50 years. Rivers are the principal entrance site for waste plastic into marine habitats (Miguel Gonzalez-Pleiter et al. 2020; Gray et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Although most synthetic or polymer pollution research has been conducted in the marine or oceanic environment, there is now a drive to explore the issue in freshwater habitats (Miguel Gonzalez-Pleiter et al. 2020). Plastic waste is probably certainly prevalent in India's interior waters, according to numerous studies. Plastic, the most adaptable synthetic material, is used in almost every aspect of daily life (Andrea et al. 2020). Global plastic product output has expanded to around 300\u0026nbsp;million tonnes over the last 50 years. There has been a lot of previous research done on the microplastic study from surface water and sediments in many estuaries around the world (Table\u0026nbsp;1), particularly four estuaries in Mauritius, (Doorgha Ragoobur et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) Sebou Estuary, and the Atlantic coast of Morocco (Haddout. S et al. 2021), and Golden Horn Estuary, Istanbul, Turkey. Microplastics collected from wild mussels in Sungai Laloh, Pasir Putih estuary ecosystems (Nurul Atikah Mohd Amin, and Shamila Azman. 2022). The current study's primary goal is to establish the spatial distribution and abundance of microplastics in a surface water sample from the Adyar River estuary.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Material and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Study Area\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Adyar River Estuary is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at 13\u0026deg; 0' 52.2648'' N and 80\u0026deg; 15' 34.6788'' E. The Adyar River begins near the Chembarambakkam Lake in the village of Chembarambakkam, which is located west of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Adyar River flows through several city neighborhoods and municipalities before draining into the Bay of Bengal. This River runs for around 42 kilometers (26 miles) from its headwaters to its mouth. The Adyar River has historically played an important part in the development of Chennai. It has long served as an important source of water for the city's population and has supported a variety of commercial activities. The Adyar River has experienced contamination over the years, especially as a result of the discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste. Several variables can influence the spatial distribution as well as dispersal of microplastics in the Adyar river estuary in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, East Coast of India.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Sampling Technique\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurface water microplastic contamination has a substantial impact on ecological systems, especially river estuaries. In September 2023, twelve field water samples were taken manually at the estuary of the study area (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e; Table.2). In this current investigation, surface water samples were collected using a 750.0 ml indestructible collecting container with a zooplankton net (30.0 cm diameters, 1 m length) with a size of mesh of 0.15 millimeter. At the Adyar Estuary, the net was held manually across the flow of surface water to collect sub-merged and floating particles including microplastics (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Floating microplastics were collected and kept in a 750.0 ml collecting container by submerging the net to a depth of 40 cm. Each sample has been collected, carried, and stored in a glass half-liter borosil bottle (Velmurugan PM et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Process of Extraction: Wet Sieving and Hydrogen Peroxide (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) Oxidation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA set of mesh sieves (stainless steel) with mesh sizes of 3.0 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters are used to filter the material from the estuary\u0026rsquo;s water samples. Any leftover materials were transferred to the sieves by using a squeeze bottle to wash the sample with distilled water. Make sure that every material has undergone thorough cleaning, draining, and sorting. Using a spatula and a squeeze bottle of distilled water, the materials were transferred from the 0.30-millimeter filter into a dry half-liter beaker. The beaker was placed in a drying oven that was set to 75\u0026deg;C for a 24-hour dryness test. (Julie Masura, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). 25 ml of an aqueous Fe (II) solution (0.05 M) and a portion of the recovered solids with a size of 0.30 mm were put into a beaker. Next, 25 milliliters of 30% H2O2 were poured into the beaker holding the sediments that had been collected. Before moving on to the next stage, let the mixture sit at room temperature on the lab bench for five minutes. The beaker containing the solids was heated to 75\u0026deg;C on a hotplate. As soon as the boiling stops, the beaker is removed from the hotplate and placed inside the ventilation system. If the reaction appears to be about to overflow the beaker, a small amount of distilled water is added to slow it down. The mixture had been heated for a further half hour to 75\u0026deg;C. There was still visible natural organic material after adding 25 milliliters of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Until the organic natural elements were no longer apparent the preceding method was repeated. After that, density separation was used in conjunction with floatation to remove microplastics (Galgani et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). The material was air-dried and stored following filtration using Whatman membrane filters nylon (pore size\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.45mm) (Julie Masura, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4. Stereo Microscope to Microplastic Identification\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing the Euromax Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope (Model No. DZ-1105), microplastics were discovered. With a shared main objective that is Plan Apochromatic tuned to produce the high contrast images and resolving power needed for high-tech applications, the DZ series is based on an incredibly precise Infinity Parallel Zoom body. A zoom body with a 1:6.3, 1:8, or even 1:10 zoom ratio is an option. A stereo binocular microscope including eyepieces with EWF 10X/22, a binocular stereo head with a 45\u0026deg; adjustable tube, and a zoom ratio of 01:10 with a total magnification range of 08 to 80 times. Every polymer particle is photographed by the lab computer and then stored after being measured for size (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) (Velmurugan PM et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5. ATR-FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis to study microplastics characterization\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing an Agilent Cary 630 ATR-FTIR, the collected microplastics from the surface water of the Adyar estuary were characterized (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The most used sampling method for attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (Kalpana Gopinath, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021). Its ability to measure a wide range of sample types\u0026mdash;including liquids, solids, powders, and semisolids. The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer raises precisely optimized sampling modules to the front of the FTIR engine with a modular design that allows for flexibility. ATR sensors differ based on the sample or application in question. Quick switching between different modules is made possible by permanently aligned optics, which eliminates the requirement for human alignment. The Cary 630 FTIR features an instantaneous switchable ATR sensor system and is compatible with a wide range of ATR sensors. ATR-FTIR characterization of polymers involves a multitude of investigations, including surface modification and fictionalization (Ahmed M, Othman, et al. 2023; Veerasingam, S et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Carolina N, Pereza et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Agilent's benchtop Cary 630 ATR-FTIR spectrometer is a small device that provides quick quantitative and qualitative data. With the Cary 630's modular ATR-FTIR spectrometer design, sampling interfaces can be quickly swapped out for a variety of samples and applications (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Because its ATR-FTIR spectrometer design is perfect for polymer analysis in polymer development, research, and development (Velmurugan PM et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Mahir Tajwar et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Suthep Jualaonget al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Kalpana Gopinath, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Joyce O, Kerubo et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Result and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eEstuaries are regions where rivers meet the sea, resulting in a distinct and dynamic habitat influenced by both freshwater and saltwater. The prevalence of microplastics in estuary water can be ascribed to several sources, including Pollutants, particularly microplastics, which are frequently carried by rivers into estuaries from upstream urban and industrial regions. Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor, as it can take up microplastics from roadways, landfills, and other sources. Estuaries are typically found near urban and industrial areas where plastic products and garbage are produced. These regions can be a source of microplastics, which eventually make their way into rivers and estuaries. Microplastics can become attached to river sediments. Microplastics are carried by these sediments when they settle in estuaries. Estuarine sediments can operate as microplastic reservoirs, harming the overall ecosystem. Estuaries' tidal action and currents can carry and redistribute microplastics. These motions may result in the accumulation of microplastics in specific parts of the estuary. Plastics in the environment can degrade into smaller particles due to processes such as photodegradation (the breakdown of plastics by sunshine) and mechanical abrasion. Water then transports the resultant microplastics more easily. Recreational activities such as boating and fishing in and around estuaries can contribute to the discharge of microplastics. Abrasion of boat hulls and fishing gear, for example, can produce microplastic particles that enter the water.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe weathering process that breaks down plastic objects and fishing nets results in the finding of these synthetic polymers or microplastics in both ground and surface water as well as sediments, according to the following research results (Derraik et al. 2002; Kai Zhang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Obbard et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Dry deposition due to wind movement is another probable avenue for microplastic. Another potential pathway for microplastic is dry deposition caused by wind transfer. Although additional research is necessary for this research region, such as car exhaust and tires, as well as dispersion and deposition over the land surface, atmosphere, and aquatic environment, may all contribute to microplastic transfer (Cai et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). According to the following research results, (Camarero et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Nobre et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Katrina L Kaposi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Anderson et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; David G Shaw and Robert H Day 1994; Stephanie L Wright et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) large plastic debris may have broken down into tiny bits and entered the water as a result of the lake's surrounding urbanization and wind-borne dry deposition. Use reusable bags, containers, and utensils instead of disposable plastics. Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Check the ingredient lists of cosmetic products and toothpaste to ensure they don't contain microplastic particles. Dispose of plastics in designated recycling bins or landfills, and never litter. Proper disposal helps prevent larger plastic items from breaking down into microplastics. Support and advocate for policies and regulations that restrict the manufacture and use of one-time-use plastic carry bags, microbeads, and other sources of microplastics. Educate your community and local businesses about the harmful effects of microplastics and the importance of reducing their use. Avoid clothing made from synthetic materials like polyester, as they shed microplastics when washed. Choose natural fibres like cotton or consider garments made from recycled plastics. Participate in or support initiatives that monitor and study microplastic pollution in coastal areas. This data can help in developing more effective strategies. The spatial distribution of microplastics retrieved from the surface water of the Adyar estuary is 82 particles from 12 sampling locations, with a mean value of 6.8 (Table\u0026nbsp;3). A maximum of 9 particles were discovered at the AE 1 sample site, while a minimum of 3 particles were discovered at the AE 7 sampling location (Table\u0026nbsp;3).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1. Color-based spatial distribution\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt each sampling point, microplastics of various colors were recovered from the Adyar River estuary\u0026rsquo;s water samples. Black (29%) and colorless (17%) microplastics outnumber white (15%), red (15%), blue (13%), and green (11%), respectively (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e.b). When compared to other polymers, the distribution of microplastics is as follows: black (29 items)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;colorless (14 items)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;white (12 items)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;red (12 items)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;blue (11 items)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;green (9 items) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The estuary is frequently the site of significant human activity, such as industrial operations and urban growth. These actions may contribute to the release of black-colored microplastics from sources such as tires, road markings, building materials, and industrial emissions. According to Daniela A. Z.'s study, 34 black microplastic particles were found in groundwater in Northwest Mexico (Daniela A. Z. et al. 2022), which is more than the 29 particles found in current research. The current study reported a lower percentage of white microplastic particles (15%) than the Yangtze Estuary in China (64.7%) (Yubo Li et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, the percentage of colorless polymer items experiential in this current research (17%) is lesser than discovered in the Yangtze Estuary in China (64.7%) (Yubo Li et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. Spatial distribution based on Shape:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMicroplastics of various sizes were extracted from the surface water of the Adyar Estuary at all sampling sites. Microplastics, fiber (39%), and fragment (27%) outnumber pebbles (7%), foam (11%), and film (16%) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The Adyar River estuary's microplastics are dispersed as follows about other polymers: fibers (32 items), fragments (22 items), film (13 items), foam (9 items), and pebbles (6 items) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The following factors are contributing to the present growth in fiber microplastics: Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic materials shed microfibers upon washing. These fibers can enter the water supply and end up in estuaries, oceans, and other bodies of water. Over time, synthetic fishing nets, lines, and gear can disintegrate into microplastic fibers. Microplastic fibers can be released into the environment through textile manufacture and processing. In contrast to the present research (82 items), Yubo's study (Yubo Li et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) found 51 microplastic particles in the Yangtze Estuary in China. Fragment (27%) is a lesser percentage than in Mauritius, South Africa (27 to 50%), according to recent research (Doorgha Ragoobur et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). In contrast to the current research, which finds 39% of fiber microplastics in the Yangtze Estuary in China, the Yubo et al. 2020 study found 33.3% of them there (Yubo Li et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Spatial distribution based on Chemical Composition:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe ATR-FTIR method was utilized to ascertain the chemical structure or composition of microplastics (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). We look into three main kinds of microplastics based on their chemical composition or chemical structure. Polyethylene (52%), polypropylene (32%), and Polystyrene (16%) are found in all sampling sites among the current research regions (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). The following polymer products have a significant daily part in the global life cycle. Food packaging, CDs and DVDs, wire, paint and chemical containers, buckets, and bottles made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Microplastics, notably polyethylene microplastics, have become a major environmental concern around the world. Estuaries, which are transitional zones where rivers meet the sea, are especially sensitive to microplastic accumulation. Polyethylene is a form of plastic that is widely utilized in a variety of items, including packaging materials, bottles, and bags. The polyethylene content in the current study (52%) is greater than that of the Yangtze Estuary in China (37.3%; Yubo et al. 2020) and Mauritius, South Africa (28%; Doorgha Ragoobur et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) combined. The polypropylene distribution in this study, at 32%, is more than that of the Veeranam Lake's surface water (15%) (Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021) and lower than that of South Indian rivers (46.67%) (Simone Lechthaler et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). According to current study, polystyrene (16%) is higher than beach sand in the lower wrack zone (3%) of the reservoir in the North Mississippi in the United States ( Zhiqiang Gao et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e), south Indian rivers (6.7%) (Simone Lechthaler et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e), and lower than surface water in the Veeranam lake (19%) in south India (Manikanda Bharath et al. 2021).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Spatial distribution based on Size:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll 12 sampling sites resulted in microplastics extracted in various sizes. Microplastics are particles with sizes ranging from less than 1 mm to 5 mm. According to the statistics, 59 items were found to be between 1 and 5 mm in size, while 23 items were determined to be less than 1 mm in size. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, shows that 28% of microplastics less than 1 mm in size and 72% of microplastics between 1 and 5 mm in size were found across all sampling sites (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e.a). In the present study from all sampling locations, microplastics extracted from groundwater based on size (0.60 mm \u0026ndash; 3.80 mm) are larger than groundwater at Thirchendur, Coastal South India (0.12 mm- 2.50mm) (Selvam et al. 2021).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe high productivity of estuaries, complex hydrodynamics, and diverse sedimentary environments can all contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in surface water. The environment and life are becoming increasingly concerned about microplastic contamination in water. The study identifies the sampling sites where the following microplastics were found: pellets, nylon, polyethylene, fiber, PVC, fragments, and foam. Fibers (39.0%), fragments (27.0%), films (16.0%), foam (11.0%), and pebbles (7.0%) were among the most typical kinds of microplastics discovered in estuary water samples. The most effective approach to address microplastic contamination is to minimize the manufacturing and consumption of plastic items. Governments and industry may collaborate to identify alternatives to single-use plastics and promote the use of biodegradable materials. Improve refuse collection and management procedures to prevent plastic items from entering water bodies. This includes improved recycling facilities as well as stricter plastic disposal regulations. Develop and implement innovative filtration systems in wastewater treatment plants to catch microplastics before they are discharged into rivers and seas. Educate the public on the dangers of plastic pollution and the need to reduce plastic waste. Continuously monitor and investigate the degree and impact of microplastic pollution in bodies of water. This will aid in establishing focused responses and comprehending the long-term consequences. Governments should develop and implement rules and regulations that encourage recycling and penalize industries that contribute to microplastic pollution.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors express their gratitude to Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (SIST) for providing support and facilities during the study. The authors thank to DST- SERB (CRG/2021/004694), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India for financial support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll the authors agreed to participate in this work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll the authors agreed to publish this work in \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable via corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConceptualization, validation, writing review, editing and supervision was carried out by Velmurugan P.M, Krishnan Vijayaprabhakaran, Devika P.T, Venkatesan S, Mohammad Suhail Meer, Rajesh Kumar M, and Kavisri M.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eMethodology, software, formal analysis, writing original draft preparation was carried out by Velmurugan P.M, Krishnan Vijayaprabhakaran. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAhmed M Othman, Ahmed A, Elsayed, Yasser M, Sabry, Diaa Khalil, and Tarik Bourouina (2023) Detection of Sub-20 \u0026mu;m Microplastic Particles by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Comparison with Raman Spectroscopy. ACS Omega, 8: 10335\u0026minus;10341. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c07998.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnderson JC, Park BJ, Palace VP, (2016) Microplastics in aquatic environments: implications for Canadian ecosystems. 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Microplastics and Nanoplastics. 2:10, https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-022-00029-z.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Tables","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https://myfiles.space/user_files/122228_c8a1650c59388082/122228_custom_files/img1706175474.png\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable.2.\u003c/strong\u003e All sampling sites from study area \u003cstrong\u003e(AE - Adyar Estuary)\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"555\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSl. No\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Code\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLatitude\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLongitude\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 52.2648\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 15\u0026apos; 34.6788\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 59.1624\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 15\u0026apos; 56.1708\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 54.6372\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 16\u0026apos; 16.1076\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 1\u0026apos; 3.3204\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 16\u0026apos; 34.2012\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 58.3416\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 16\u0026apos; 37.722\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 49.0752\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 16\u0026apos; 38.1396\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 44.4816\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 16\u0026apos; 37.8516\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 40.5468\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 16\u0026apos; 32.8872\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 38.7396\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 16\u0026apos; 20.4816\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 43.5168\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 15\u0026apos; 55.3752\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 41.8716\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 15\u0026apos; 44.7156\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.73873873873874%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.243243243243242%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.46846846846847%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u0026deg; 0\u0026apos; 42.948\u0026apos;\u0026apos; N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.54954954954955%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u0026deg; 15\u0026apos; 33.984\u0026apos;\u0026apos; E\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable.3.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eSpatial distribution of microplastic particles.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"603\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation No\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample code\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of plastic particles\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAE 12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e82\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6.8\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.8407960199005%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.61028192371476%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.45107794361526%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum no of particles - 13 (AE 1)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"23.548922056384743%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"76.45107794361526%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum no of particles - 3 (AE 7)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Microplastics, Estuary’s surface water, NOAA, SM, ATR-FTIR","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3839553/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3839553/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIn the current scenario, microplastics are an ever-increasing contaminant that poses an environmental hazard to the surface water environment. The foremost objective of current research is to examine the identity, characterizing, spatial distribution throughout, and abundance of microplastics in the Adyar River estuary. Microplastics have been found in the estuary's water samples utilizing the NOAA approach. Polymers such as polyethylene (52%), polypropylene (32%), and polystyrene (16%) were often identified in all water sampling sites. Surface water (total microplastic items\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;82; total sampling site\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12) was found to be contaminated with 1\u0026ndash;9 items/site of various kinds of microplastics. Colorless (17.0%), white (15.0%), black (29.0%), green (11.0%), blue (13.0%), and red (15.0%) microplastics were found in the estuary's water of Adyar River. To investigate the characteristics of microplastics, analytical techniques such as FTIR and microplastics identified by stereo microscopy (SM) were utilized. The largest part frequent types of microplastic to be discovered in the surface water of estuary are fibers (39.0%), fragments (27.0%), films (16.0%), foam (11.0%), and pebbles (7.0%). This research represents a basis for a study on the microplastic pollution of the Adyar River estuary in Tamil Nadu, India.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Recent Investigation of Characterizing, quantifying, and Contamination of Microplastic in the surface water of Adyar River Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-01-25 17:54:52","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3839553/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"c344dcb9-941c-4a5c-927a-f7a05353a732","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 25th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-08-27T04:36:17+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-01-25 17:54:52","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3839553","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3839553","identity":"rs-3839553","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}