Assessing Microplastic Pollution in Indian Lake Ecosystems: A Mini Review

The inaugural microplastic study on Indian lakes, conducted in 2017, marked a significant milestone in addressing the emerging issue of microplastic pollution. Despite the early recognition of microplastics in oceans since the 1970s, our knowledge cutoff reveals that only 12 Indian lakes have been investigated for microplastic contamination. Given the vulnerability of lacustrine ecosystems to pollution, they may face challenges akin to those observed in marine environments. While the contamination of oceans has received considerable attention, the impact on freshwater ecosystems and lakes is increasingly recognized. However, the relatively nascent nature of this field has led to methodological diversity, posing challenges for standardization. This review focuses on three key aspects: (1) assessing microplastic contamination in 12 Indian lakes; (2) exploring methodologies across various compartments, including surface water, sediments, and biota; and (3) examining microplastic characteristics and sources. The analysis concludes with recommendations to guide decision-making by public authorities and foster consensus among research teams in this critical field.