Microplastics in City Lakes: The Impact of Excess Rains and Poor Wastewater Management
Continuous rainfall and poor wastewater management are major contributors to the influx of microplastics in city lakes, a recent study reveals.
Key pathways for microplastics to enter urban lakes include stormwater runoff, wastewater treatment plants, littering zones, and laundry facilities.
- Continuous rainfall
- Stormwater runoff
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Littering zones
- Laundry facilities
The amount of plastics entering freshwater systems is forecast to increase from an estimated range of 9-14 million tons in 2016 to approximately 23-37 million tons by 2040, according to a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
A study on Dal lake in Srinagar examines the routes microplastics take to enter urban lakes, shedding light on a pressing environmental issue.
Author's summary: Excess rains and poor management lead to microplastic pollution.