Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the assessment of microplastic pollution in urban waterways, focusing on the impacts of this pollution and proposing mitigation strategies to address the issue. The research explores the prevalence of microplastics in urban water bodies, investigates their potential environmental and human health impacts, and evaluates current mitigation approaches. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining field surveys, laboratory analysis, and literature review to gather data on microplastic pollution in selected urban waterways. Chapter one provides an introduction to the research topic, offering background information on microplastic pollution, stating the problem statement, outlining the objectives of the study, discussing the limitations and scope of the research, emphasizing the significance of the study, presenting the structure of the thesis, and defining key terms used throughout the document. The literature review in chapter two synthesizes existing knowledge on microplastic pollution, covering topics such as sources of microplastics, distribution in water bodies, ecological and human health impacts, and current mitigation strategies. Chapter three details the research methodology, including the sampling strategy, data collection techniques, laboratory analysis methods, and statistical tools used in the study. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations of the research process. Chapter four presents a thorough discussion of the research findings, including the quantification of microplastic pollution levels in the studied urban waterways, analysis of potential impacts, and evaluation of the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies. The conclusion and summary chapter five highlight the key findings of the study, discussing the implications for environmental management and policy development. The research demonstrates the urgent need for effective measures to combat microplastic pollution in urban waterways and offers recommendations for future research directions and practical interventions. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microplastic pollution and provides valuable insights for addressing this pressing environmental issue.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Urban Waterways: Impacts and Mitigation Strategies" aims to investigate the presence, sources, impacts, and potential mitigation strategies of microplastic pollution in urban waterways. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm in size, have become a significant environmental concern due to their widespread distribution and potential harm to aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The research will commence with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current state of knowledge regarding microplastic pollution in urban waterways. This will include an examination of the sources of microplastics, their transport mechanisms, and the ecological and human health impacts associated with their presence in aquatic environments. The literature review will also explore existing mitigation strategies and their effectiveness in reducing microplastic pollution. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be outlined, detailing the sampling techniques, analysis methods, and data collection procedures to be employed in the study. Sampling locations will be selected strategically to capture variations in microplastic abundance and composition within urban waterways. Various analytical techniques, such as microscopy and spectroscopy, will be used to identify and quantify microplastics in water samples. The findings of the study will be presented and discussed in detail, highlighting the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in urban waterways, the predominant sources of contamination, and the potential ecological and human health impacts. The results will also assess the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies and propose novel approaches for reducing microplastic pollution in urban water systems. The research will conclude with a summary of key findings, implications for environmental management, and recommendations for future research and policy development. By shedding light on the extent and consequences of microplastic pollution in urban waterways, this study aims to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of this pervasive environmental issue.