Assessment Of Water Quality Parameters “Special Reference To Microplastic Pollution In Kaveri River Basin, Mysuru, Karnataka

Abstract

 A major threat associated with it has emerged, specifically the rising use of plastic and microplastics that seriously jeopardize water and aquatic environments. Rising concerns with respect to its daily consumption are that such substances adversely impact the quality of water. Water samples were collected systematically from 14 locations along the Kaveri River, starting from Talakaveri to Kushalnagara, Chunchanakatte, Belur, Goruru, Konanuru, Hole Narasipura, Chikkayarahalli, Ganjam, Tirumakudalu Narasipura, Kollegala, Manuganahalli, Kattahalli, and Chamarajanagara. The samples were analysed for key physicochemical parameters, such as total hardness, sulphate, chloride, alkalinity, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and fluoride levels. The study found large plastic accumulation and pollution at particular hotspots, mainly near the waste disposal sites, which are primary contributors to plastic contamination in the river. This study calls for an immediate need for effective waste management strategies and policy interventions to abate the ever-increasing risk of plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.