Thesis Abstract

The abstract for the thesis titled "Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Urban Water Bodies and its Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems" is as follows Microplastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue, particularly in urban water bodies, posing significant threats to aquatic ecosystems. This thesis aims to assess the extent of microplastic pollution in urban water bodies and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The research is motivated by the growing concern over the presence of microplastics in water bodies and the potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms and overall ecosystem health. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study, including the background information on microplastic pollution, the problem statement, objectives of the study, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms related to the research topic. The literature review in Chapter 2 explores ten key aspects of existing research on microplastic pollution in water bodies and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this field. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, including the research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analytical approaches employed in the study. It also discusses the ethical considerations and potential challenges faced during the research process. The findings of the study are presented and discussed in Chapter 4, highlighting the extent of microplastic pollution in urban water bodies, the types of microplastics found, their distribution patterns, and the impacts on aquatic organisms and ecosystem dynamics. The conclusion and summary in Chapter 5 provide a comprehensive synthesis of the research findings, discussing the implications of the study for environmental management and policy development. Recommendations for future research directions and potential mitigation strategies to address microplastic pollution in urban water bodies are also discussed. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microplastic pollution and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems, underscoring the urgent need for effective management strategies to protect water quality and ecosystem health.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Urban Water Bodies and its Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems" aims to investigate the presence of microplastic pollution in urban water bodies and understand its implications on aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have become a significant environmental concern due to their widespread distribution and potential ecological consequences. In urban areas, where human activities are concentrated, the input of microplastics into water bodies can be substantial, posing risks to aquatic organisms and ecosystem health. The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of microplastic pollution in urban water bodies and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This review will cover topics such as sources and pathways of microplastic pollution, methods of detection and quantification, as well as the ecological effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be designed to assess the extent of microplastic contamination in selected urban water bodies. Sampling strategies will be employed to collect water and sediment samples, which will then be analyzed in the laboratory using advanced techniques to identify and quantify microplastics. Additionally, biological samples from aquatic organisms will be examined for the presence of ingested microplastics to understand the potential transfer of microplastics through the food web. The findings of this study will be discussed in detail in the results and discussion chapter, highlighting the levels of microplastic pollution observed in urban water bodies and the implications for aquatic ecosystems. The project will also explore the potential sources of microplastics in urban environments and assess the effectiveness of current mitigation measures in reducing microplastic pollution. In conclusion, this research project on the assessment of microplastic pollution in urban water bodies and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of environmental science. By enhancing our understanding of the prevalence and effects of microplastics in urban water bodies, this study seeks to inform future management strategies and conservation efforts aimed at protecting aquatic ecosystems from the detrimental effects of microplastic pollution.