Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Pema Chophel RCDC Pema Chophel 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Pema Chophel RCDC Pema Chophel
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Chimmi Dorji RCDC Chimmi Dorji
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in different water sources in Thimphu, Bhutan |
| Public title | Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in different water sources in Thimphu, Bhutan |
| Background | Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have become a growing global environmental concern. Their durability and small size allow them to persist in ecosystems, posing risks to aquatic life and human health. Although plastics are valued for their versatility and durability, their widespread use has led to environmental contamination. MPs not only present physical hazards but also serve as carriers for harmful chemical pollutants, raising concerns about their impact on food safety and ecosystem health. Drinking water sources are particularly vulnerable to MP contamination through various pathways such as wind transport, surface runoff, and atmospheric deposition. Everyday activities, including tire wear, synthetic fiber shedding from clothing, and personal care products, contribute to MP pollution. Once in aquatic systems, MPs undergo degradation, leading to ecological disruption, biodiversity loss, and potential contamination of groundwater. Bhutan, despite its strong environmental commitment, faces growing environmental challenges from MPs, particularly due to urbanization and development pressures. Thimphu, the capital city, reflects these trends, with plastic waste being a major component of municipal solid waste. Limited waste management infrastructure and improper disposal practices further exacerbate the risk of MPs entering natural ecosystems. Currently, there is limited data on MP contamination in Bhutan’s water sources. This study aims to bridge that gap by evaluating the presence and concentration of MPs in Thimphu’s water systems. The findings will help inform strategies to protect Bhutan’s unique ecosystems and safeguard public health in the face of rising plastic pollution. |
| Objectives | The objectives of this research are: 1. To determine the concentration of MP in different types of water sources including rivers, streams, springs and municipal water sources in Thimphu. 2. To identify different types of MPs (e.g., Polyethylene, Polyethylene terephthalate, Polypropylene etc.) present in these water bodies. 3. To evaluate the risk of MP contamination on the local environment and public health. |
| Study Methods | 1 Sample Collection Between 15 to 20 drinking water samples will be collected from various sites within Thimphu, including rivers, streams, springs, and municipal supplies. Site selection will consider proximity to urban, industrial, and waste disposal areas. From each site, 6–8 liters of water will be collected using pre-cleaned glass containers, with three replicates for statistical reliability. A blank MilliQ water sample will also be processed. Samples will be stored at room temperature and processed within a week. All glassware will be cleaned thoroughly with MilliQ water before use. 2 Sample Processing GF glass fiber filters (0.6 μm pore size, 25 mm diameter) will be pre-heated at 200 °C for 5 hours to eliminate contamination and stored in a dehumidifier. Two liters of each water sample will be filtered, and the filters reheated at 200 °C for 2 hours to isolate MPs. Processed filters will be wrapped in silver foil, stored in plastic petri dishes, and prepared for shipment. 3 Sample Shipment Samples will be shipped to the Environmental Toxicology Laboratory at Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand, following standard transport regulations. 4 Microplastic Identification and Quantification MPs will be analyzed using Frontier Lab Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer™ coupled with Orbitrap™ Exploris GC-MS. The analysis will quantify polymers such as PE, PP, PS, ABS, SBR, PMMA, PC, PVC, PU, PET, Nylon-6, and Nylon-6,6. Data will be summarized with descriptive statistics and comparative analysis across different water sources. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | This study will provide baseline data on MP pollution in Thimphu's water bodies, contributing to the global understanding of MP distribution in freshwater systems. In addition, the findings could inform policymakers on the need for improved waste management practices and regulations to mitigate MP pollution. The research will also raise awareness about the issue of MP among local communities, encouraging more sustainable practices. |
| Keywords | Microplastics, Pyrolysis-GC-MS, water quality, health risk |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Feb-2025 |
| End Date | 31-Aug-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Royal Centre for Disease Control |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Other (Microplastics) |
| Involves human subjects | No |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |