Brief Context
In News A recent study found widespread microplastic contamination in fish along Goa’s Mandovi estuary. Microplastics They are tiny plastic pieces or fibers smaller than 5 millimeters—some are even invisible to the human eye. They come in various forms, such as beads, fragments, pellets, film, foam, and fibers.
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Syllabus:GS3/Environment
In News
- A recent study found widespread microplastic contamination in fish along Goa’s Mandovi estuary.
Microplastics
- They are tiny plastic pieces or fibers smaller than 5 millimeters—some are even invisible to the human eye.
- They come in various forms, such as beads, fragments, pellets, film, foam, and fibers.
Environmental and Health Impacts
- Microplastic pollution is causing serious health problems in India, including reduced fertility, hormonal imbalances, and increased risk of cancers and chronic diseases.
- Microplastics infiltrate ecosystems through water runoff, sewage, and atmospheric deposition.
- Small fish ingest microplastics, which then move up the food chain via bioaccumulation and trophic transfer.
- Health risks for humans consuming contaminated seafood include immune dysfunction, reproductive damage, and increased cancer risk.
Efforts Made in India
- India has taken several steps to combat plastic pollution:
- Ban on Single-Use Plastics (July 2022): Prohibited items include plastic cutlery, straws, and packaging films.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Mandates manufacturers to manage post-consumer plastic waste.
- Clean India Mission: Integrates plastic waste management into broader sanitation goals.
Challenges
- Lack of standardized detection methods for microplastics in food and water.
- Limited public awareness about microplastic risks.
- Insufficient infrastructure for waste segregation and recycling.
Conclusion and the Way Ahead
- Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental and health issue in India, found in water, marine life, and food.
- To address it, India should boost research, support biodegradable alternatives, improve waste management, and raise public awareness.
- With global action lagging, India has a chance to lead by implementing a coordinated national strategy that combines science, policy, and community efforts.
Source :TH