Abstract:
Microplastic pollution has become a growing
concern in freshwater systems that supply drinking water.
This study used a quantitative experimental design to assess
the occurrence and preliminary characteristics of
microplastics in the Kelani and Gin River drinking-water
intake points in Sri Lanka. Water and surface sediment
samples were collected from upstream, intake, and
downstream locations, then processed by filtration, density
separation, and phase-contrast microscopy. The observed
particles were classified into four main morphologies:
fibers, fragments, films, and pellets. In the reported counts,
Kelani River water contained 48 fibers, 32 fragments, 25
films, and 34 pellets, while Gin River water contained 39
fibers, 34 fragments, 21 films, and 32 pellets; sediment
samples showed lower overall counts but the same
dominant morphologies. XRD was used only as a
preliminary structural characterization technique;
definitive polymer identification requires complementary
techniques such as FTIR and SEM, which were not
performed in the present study. The study provides baseline
evidence of suspected microplastic contamination at both
drinking-water intake systems and supports continued
monitoring and further polymer-specific characterization
in Sri Lanka’s drinking-water sources.
