A review on microplastic contamination in freshwater bodies, especially in Indian rivers with experimental insights on polyamide degradation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to address the growing issue of microplastic contamination, particularly in freshwater bodies, and to summarize recent research on this topic. This study aims to discuss the origins, distribution and occurrence of microplastics, as well as the methods used for their extraction and characterization, with a special focus on India due to its significant population and highly contaminated water bodies. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this study involves a comprehensive review of publications from recent years that focus on microplastic contamination in freshwater systems. The review includes an analysis of the sources of microplastics, their distribution and occurrence in freshwater environments and the techniques used for sampling and characterizing these pollutants. Also, one experiment was carried out to understand the hygroscopic behavior of polyamides; in which one circular disc of polyamide (PA6) was dipped into a freshwater container for 12 months. Findings The findings highlight the widespread presence of microplastics in freshwater bodies worldwide, emphasizing the severe threat they pose to living species. This study also identifies India as a critical area of concern due to its large population and heavily polluted freshwater bodies. In addition, the impact of microplastic pollution on aquatic creatures and other living organisms is briefly discussed. The results of the experiment demonstrated how hydrophilic and hygroscopic polymers can be converted into microparticles, which subsequently spread into water bodies and contribute to pollution. Originality/value This study provides a valuable synthesis of the current state of research on microplastic contamination in freshwater systems, offering insights into the origins and distribution of these pollutants. It also underscores the significance of addressing microplastic pollution in India, thereby contributing to the global understanding of the issue and informing future research and policy initiatives.