PANAJI: Seven different colored microplastics – black, blue, red, gray, brown, green and transparent – identified in water samples collected and tested by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Delhi-based advocacy groups, Tocial Links, from Crossing Goa.
Toi has reported on Thursday that a research entitled ‘Clean Drinking Water: Dream Pipe?’ Assessing water collected from various sources – Tap processing plants and water – have revealed the existence of microplastics.
The dominant black microplastic in all water samples followed by blue, red, gray, brown, green and transparent, research conducted by the main researcher, Nio, Mahua Saha stated.
Microplastics (MP) is plastic particles which are less than 5mm and has been recognized globally as one of the most critical marine pollutants emerged because of perseverance, independence and toxic potential.
The highest level of microplastic abundance is found in Mapusa with a maximum concentration of ethylene vinyl alcohol (evoh).
“It might be caused by wastewater drainage that was not treated into the river, small industry etc.
Evoh is a formal ethylene copolymer and vinyl alcohol.
Because of a strong barrier to oxygen and gas, food packaging manufacturers use it in their packaging structure to extend the life of the food product save, “The report said.
Toi has reported on August 12 that an increase in microplastic concentration is noticed in tap water samples collected from Mapusa compared to water sources.
This, the research said, could be caused by water transportation through PVC pipes.
In terms of margao samples, polyiakylene is found to be maximized among all microplastics.
A total of 11 water samples were analyzed and collected from the residential area of Margao, Panaji, Mapusa, Marcel and Canacona, in addition to pre-care water samples collected from the plants of Assonora, Opa and Salulim.
This study identified 129 microplastic particles in all locations and a total of 26 different types of polymers found.
Among all the microplastics were analyzed, at 28.4% of polyacetylene found maximum followed by Evoh (ethylene vinyl alcohol) at 25.9%, copolymer block aba styrene / isoprene at 9.9%, polyvinyl alcohol at 9.9%, polyamide At 8.6% vinyl chloride (PVC) at 8.6% and polyvinyl pyrrolidone at 8.6%.
The plastic industry adds pigments to polymers, such as in the case of different colored plastic plastic alkyd plastic resins used.
Polyester fibers are blue, while polyamide fibers are gray gray and they are thinner than the polyester.
The most commonly found blue microplastic, which, according to this study, might come from fishing nets or use other plastic packaging products.
Polypropylene (PP) fiber is found in blue or red.
It’s widely used in the packaging, fisheries and textile industries.
The main source of transparent and white microplastic is a bag carrying plastic and packaging materials and can also be sourced from fishing lines, research listed.
“Black MPS may have been released into the environment during transportation through a black plastic pipe or maybe through tire abrasion on the road surface as ordinary wear,” this study stated.
‘Air Goa has seven types of colored microplastics’
