SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION AND POLYMER BIOACCUMULATION IN MAJOR RIVERS OF BANGLADESH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17501/23861282.2025.12102Keywords:
microplastic pollution, bioaccumulation, Labeo rohita, K-means clustering, PCA, food securityAbstract
Microplastic pollution is a global environmental concern linked with aquatic food security and public health. This study explores the cross-compartmental (water, sediment, and Labeo rohita, a vital fish species common in the local diet) analysis of microplastic concentration in the three major rivers of Bangladesh, namely Buriganga, Dhaleshwari, and Meghna, over a three-month sampling period (October-December 2024) to highlight the distribution of microplastics during the post-monsoon season, as most rivers in Bangladesh are monsoon-influenced. The spatial and temporal distribution, bioaccumulation of specific polymers in Labeo rohita fish, and the composition of the polymers in each of the three compartments were examined using a multidisciplinary approach that included microscopic examination and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, multivariate statistical analysis using K-means Clustering and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted, along with GIS spatial mapping to examine land-use trends. This study confirms the pervasive distribution of microplastics with fibres and fragments as the dominant types. The bioaccumulation and bioconcentration of polymers were confirmed by the presence of polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) in Labeo rohita, indicating direct transfer into the food chain and into humans. The sources of pollution were identified, addressing the research gaps of freshwater systems. Thus, to safeguard the aquatic ecosystem and maintain food security and nutritional health, urgent mitigation strategies are needed to keep pace with urban and industrial development in South Asia.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jamilun Azim Shoily, Tahsin Tahiyat, Fahmid Hossain, Prof. Dr. Md. Tauhid-Ur-Rahman
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