In News:

A first-of-its-kind study, commissioned by the Delhi government and conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), has revealed the presence of microplastics in groundwater across all 11 districts of Delhi. The interim findings, submitted in November 2024, also reported microplastics in Yamuna River water and soil samples along its banks.

Key Findings:

• Widespread Contamination: Microplastics were found in groundwater samples across Delhi, indicating potential contamination due to leaching from the Yamuna River.
• Additional Contamination: Microplastics were also detected in the Yamuna's water and riverbank soil, suggesting environmental pervasiveness.
• Water Usage Impact: Since Delhi relies on borewells and treated groundwater for drinking and domestic purposes, this contamination raises serious public health concerns.
• No Objection by Authorities: The Delhi government has not disputed the study’s interim findings; further post-monsoon analysis is underway, and a final report is expected later in 2025.

What Are Microplastics?

According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP):

• Definition: Plastic particles less than 5 mm in size
• Types:
  • Primary Microplastics: Manufactured for use in cosmetics (e.g., microbeads) and textiles (e.g., microfibers from clothing, nets)
  • Secondary Microplastics: Result from breakdown of larger plastics (e.g., bottles) due to sunlight, abrasion, and ocean waves

Environmental & Health Impacts:

• Persistence: Microplastics are non-biodegradable, mobile, and difficult to eliminate from natural ecosystems.
• Toxicity:
  • Can adsorb harmful chemicals, making them more toxic
  • Known to bioaccumulate in aquatic food chains
• Human Exposure: Microplastics can enter the human body via:
  • Inhalation (air)
  • Ingestion (water and seafood)
  • Dermal absorption (through skin)
• Health Risks (UNEP Report – From Pollution to Solution, 2021):
  • Potential effects on genetics, brain development, respiration, and placental health in newborns
  • No global standard exists for safe microplastic limits in drinking water

Why is it in the News?

Recently, scientists have created plant-based plastic that doesn't create cancer-causing microplastics because 97% of it breaks down in the environment.

What is Microplastics?

• Microplastics are small plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter.
• These particles, which are distinguished from larger "macroplastics" like bottles and bags, stem from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics.
• Microplastics are commonly found in a variety of products, including cosmetics, synthetic clothing, plastic bags, and bottles.
• Unfortunately, many of these products can easily enter the environment as waste.
• Composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked in polymer chains, microplastics often contain additional chemicals such as phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA).
• There are two categories of microplastics: primary and secondary.
  • Primary microplastics are intentionally designed for commercial use, including in cosmetics and microfibers shed from textiles like clothing and fishing nets.
  • Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, result from larger plastic items breaking down due to environmental factors such as sunlight and ocean waves.
• Understanding the sources and types of microplastics is crucial for addressing their impact on the environment, wildlife, and human health, ultimately promoting more sustainable production and waste management practices.

Environmental Impacts of Microplastics:

• Microplastics pose significant environmental concerns due to their resistance to breaking down into harmless compounds, much like larger plastic items.
  • Consequently, both primary and secondary microplastics accumulate and endure once introduced into the environment.
• In marine ecosystems, microplastics have the potential to amalgamate with harmful chemicals before being consumed by marine organisms.
  • Despite efforts, conventional water treatment facilities struggle to completely eliminate microplastics from water sources.
• Additionally, microplastics contribute to air pollution as they are present in dust and airborne fibrous particles, further highlighting their pervasive impact on various environmental systems.