Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The presence of microplastics in aquatic environments has become a pressing environmental concern due to their persistence, potential toxicity, and widespread distribution. This thesis presents the results of a comprehensive study on the assessment of microplastic pollution in urban waterways and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The research aimed to investigate the sources, distribution, and abundance of microplastics in urban waterways, as well as the potential ecological implications for aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Chapter one provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review in chapter two covers ten key areas related to microplastic pollution in water environments, including sources of microplastics, environmental fate and transport, ecological impacts, and current mitigation strategies. Chapter three details the research methodology employed in this study, which includes sampling protocols, laboratory analysis techniques, data interpretation methods, and quality assurance measures. The results and discussion presented in chapter four highlight the findings of the study, including the characterization of microplastics in urban waterways, assessment of their impacts on aquatic organisms, and the implications for ecosystem health. The conclusion and summary in chapter five provide a comprehensive overview of the research outcomes, highlighting the key findings, implications for environmental management, and recommendations for future research directions. Overall, this thesis contributes to our understanding of the extent and consequences of microplastic pollution in urban waterways, emphasizing the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate this environmental threat and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Urban Waterways and its Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems" aims to investigate the presence and effects of microplastic pollution in urban water bodies on aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have become a significant environmental concern due to their widespread distribution and potential harmful effects on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore the current state of knowledge regarding microplastic pollution in urban waterways and its impacts on aquatic life. This review will cover aspects such as sources of microplastics, their distribution in water bodies, mechanisms of transport, and the ecological consequences of microplastic contamination. Following the literature review, the research will focus on the methodology employed to assess microplastic pollution in selected urban waterways. This will involve field sampling and laboratory analysis to quantify the abundance and characteristics of microplastics present in the water column, sediments, and biota. Various sampling techniques will be utilized to capture a representative picture of microplastic contamination in the study area. The findings of the research will be presented and discussed in detail, highlighting the spatial and temporal variations in microplastic pollution levels, the types of microplastics identified, and their potential impacts on aquatic organisms and ecosystem health. The study will also explore the interactions between microplastics and biota, including ingestion, bioaccumulation, and transfer of microplastics through the food web. Furthermore, the project will address the implications of microplastic pollution for ecosystem services provided by urban water bodies, such as water quality, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities. The research outcomes will contribute to a better understanding of the extent of microplastic contamination in urban waterways and the need for effective management strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. In conclusion, the assessment of microplastic pollution in urban waterways and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems is a critical research endeavor that seeks to address a pressing environmental issue with implications for both ecosystem health and human well-being. By shedding light on the sources, distribution, and ecological consequences of microplastic contamination, this study aims to inform policy decisions and conservation efforts aimed at protecting urban water bodies and the biodiversity they support.