Excessive rainfall and inadequate wastewater management are key factors that contribute to the presence of microplastics in urban lakes.
A recent study highlights the major pathways through which microplastics enter city lakes, including:
A study on Dal lake in Srinagar investigated the routes microplastics take to enter urban lakes, shedding light on a pressing environmental issue.
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, microplastics contamination of freshwater systems is a growing concern.
Author's summary: Excess rains and poor management contribute to microplastics in city lakes.