Research Projects

The study focuses on microplastic pollution in drinking water supplying reservoirs in Ranchi, India, which could affect over 1 million people. Microplastics have been found in surface water and sediments, with an average of 2.4 particles per lit of supply water. The scientific objectives of the study include assessing spatiotemporal variation of microplastics, performing source apportionment using ground truthing and land use pattern evaluation, studying hydrodynamic behavior of particles upon entering water bodies through ground observation and simulation models, and assessing their fate in biological organisms feeding in different zones of the reservoirs and their presence in supply water. The hypothesis is that land use pattern and topography significantly influence microplastic pollution input to surface water bodies. Their dynamics upon entering the lake are determined by factors such as density, shape, and local turbulence. These dynamics can affect specific groups of organisms based on their dwelling zone. Experiments will involve microplastic sampling and quantitative analysis from different parts of the reservoirs, microscopic examination for morphological and polymer characteristics, and validation of source appropriation using remote sensing methods, total disturbance scoring methods, and census data. Hydrodynamic behavior will be modelled using 3D models, and the fate of microplastics and their probable routes towards human exposure will be studied through aquatic organism and water supply examinations. This is the first study with source apportionment and validation using remote sensing techniques for specific input identification of microplastics into a lake ecosystem.