Microplastics: Sources, Impacts & Solutions

Recent surveys by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) show alarming microplastic pollution on India’s coastlines. Major sources are riverine inputs and Abandoned, Lost, and Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG).

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are defined as plastics less than 5mm in diameter.
There are two categories of microplastics.
1. Primary microplastics: tiny particles designed for commercial use, like in cosmetics or textiles.
2. Secondary microplastics: tiny particles that are a product of the breakdown of larger plastic items due to exposure to environmental factors such as the sun’s radiation or ocean waves.

The problem with microplastics, like all plastics, is that they do not break down easily into more harmless particles. Instead, they find their way across the planet.
Common types include PET, PP, PVC, PE, and PS, all of which are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for centuries.

Sources of Microplastics

Fragmentation of larger plastic items like bottles, bags, and packaging.
Microbeads used in personal care products like exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste.
Fibres released during the washing of synthetic textiles.
Weathering and degradation of plastic debris in the environment.

Impact of Microplastics

On Environment: The presence of microplastics disrupts the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They affect the soil health, water quality, nutrient cycling, and the organisms that inhabit these environments. These have cascading effects on the entire food web.
On Aquatic Life: Microplastics are ingested by various marine organisms, ranging from zooplankton to fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. The ingestion can cause physical harm, such as blockage of digestive systems and internal injuries.
- Microplastics can accumulate in the tissues of organisms and transfer toxic chemicals associated with the plastic particles through the food chain.
On Agriculture: Irrigation by microplastic contaminated water allowing these particles to enter food.
On Human Health: Ingestion of microplastics by humans through water, food, and air can result in genetic modifications and several diseases. Microplastics are already detected in human blood.
- Recent studies indicate that microplastics are cardiotoxic, they can impair heart function, damage blood vessels, & contribute to CVDs such as Heart attacks/failure Arrhythmias, Ischemic strokes, etc.

Many microplastics carry Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) which further compound health risks by disrupting hormonal balance and contributing to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

What are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

EDCs are harmful chemicals found in plastics that interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Common types include:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) & BPS: Found in food containers, bottles, and thermal papers
- Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Used in cosmetics, toys, and medical tubing
- PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Present in non-stick cookware and food packaging
EDCs mimic or block hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. This leads to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues (low sperm count, poor egg quality), increased risk of cancers, metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity

Steps Taken to Deal with Microplastic Crisis

Global Action

UN Plastic Treaty: In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly established an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to draft a Global Plastic Treaty.
- The INC-5.2 meeting in August 2025 is expected to finalize a legally binding framework to address plastic pollution.
Basel Convention Amendment: Controls transboundary movement of plastic waste.

India’s Measures

Single-Use Plastic Ban: Enforced from July 1, 2022.
3R Strategy: Focus on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle principles.
Biodegradable Alternatives: Calls are growing to adopt biodegradable alternatives like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and to strengthen plastic waste segregation and recycling. Public campaigns highlighting the health and environmental risks of microplastics.

Way Forward

Research and Surveillance: Launch longitudinal cardiotoxicity studies across Indian populations. Develop national biomonitoring programs to track microplastic presence in blood and organs.
Health System Preparedness: Include microplastic screening for high-risk CVD patients.
Encourage alternatives: glass, steel, and BPA-free products. Also promote antioxidant-rich diets to combat oxidative stress.
Policy and Regulation: Strengthen enforcement of Plastic Waste Management Rules, incentivize eco-friendly product development, and integrate microplastic impact assessments into environmental and health policies.