UNDERSTANDING THE TOXICITY AND CONTAMINATION OF MP IN THE WATER OF THE KRISHNA RIVER – A REVIEW

Abstract

Tiny plastic fragments known as "microplastics" are extremely dangerous to society. Microplastics contaminate rivers because of their sluggish degradation. It became clear that plastic pollution would pose a health risk when more plastic trash started to accumulate in the natural world. Since plastics are long-lasting, incorrectly disposed of plastic items might be detected in the environment for a very long period. Plastic pollution has an impact on human health, animals, and aquatic life. Marine life, including fish, birds, and turtles, can become entangled in plastic debris and swallow it, which can cause severe harm or even death. Since these environments act as accumulation zones, it has been established that plastic litter negatively affects plant species like mangrove forest trees and the wildlife that lives there. Religious offerings, cultural celebrations, and untreated sewage water are the primary contributors of microplastic pollution. Sewage water from nearby settlements finds its way into the river. The disposal of garbage is one of the main human activities contributing to the microplastic burden in the Krishna River. These substances are now just tiny particles.