Research Projects

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with a size of less than 5 mm, released into the environment through various sources. They pose a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems, even at low concentrations. In India, there are no regulatory standards for MP removal, and conventional technologies have limitations in efficiency. Advanced oxidation has emerged as a potential MP remedial technique, but further research is needed. Cold plasma technology (CPT) is a non-thermal technique that generates reactive oxidative species without using any chemical agent, causing an effective change in MP surface properties, leading to agglomeration. The proposed CPT is energy-efficient, short treatment time, and eco-friendly for remediating MPs from drinking water (DW). Bengaluru's population of 10 million needs 200 L/day of water, which is met by various sources, including the Cauvery River, Arkavathy River, and groundwater. Waste from nearby river bodies contributes to pollution throughout the water body. A study by IISc confirmed the presence of MPs like polymethylpentene in the Cauvery water, the main DW source for Bengaluru. There is an urgent need to explore the occurrence, properties, fate, and removal techniques for MPs. This study will be one of the first to examine MP loads in all DW sources of Bengaluru and provide a suitable technology for MP removal based on a detailed understanding of their chemical properties and structure.