Spatial distribution and hydrological influences of microplastic contamination in the upstream reach of the ambathale water treatment plant intake, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Microplastic contamination has emerged as a global environmental concern, with rivers serving as important pathways for the accumulation and transport of these particles. This study investigated the spatial distribution of microplastic contamination and the influence of hydrological and physicochemical factors on microplastic occurrence in the upstream reach of the Ambathale Water Treatment Plant intake along the Kelani River, Sri Lanka. Water samples were collected from four locations within the study area, including three upstream sites and one downstream site. Microplastics were detected at all sampling locations, with Kelaniya recorded the highest microplastic concentration (20.08 ± 10.19 mg/L), while Ambathale had the lowest (9.12 ± 3.89 mg/L). Three main microplastic types were identified: fibers, fragments, and films. Fibers and fragments were the most abundant microplastic types across all sampling locations, while films occurred at comparatively lower concentrations. Statistical analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between river water level and microplastic concentration (r = 0.883, p = 0.001), indicating the importance of hydrological conditions in microplastic transport. Fiber and film concentrations exhibited particularly strong positive relationships with water-level fluctuations (r = 0.940 and r = 0.904, respectively; p < 0.01). Furthermore, positive associations between microplastic abundance and suspended solids suggest that particulate matter plays an important role in the transport and distribution of microplastics within the river system. The findings demonstrate significant spatial variability in microplastic contamination and highlight the influence of hydrological processes on microplastic occurrence and transport in the Kelani River. This study provides baseline information for future monitoring and contributes to a better understanding of microplastic dynamics in tropical freshwater environments.