MICROPLASTICS

NEWS: Microplastics on Chennai’s coast and highlighted their significant long-term ecological and health risks.

About Microplastics

• Tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size.
• They are non-biodegradable.
• Primary MPs are intentionally manufactured small (e.g., microbeads)
• Secondary MPs are formed by breakdown of larger plastic waste.
• Originate from plastic waste, fishing gear, synthetic textiles (i.e. nylon), cosmetics, tourism waste, and urban sewage/drainage.
• Breakdown of Plastics: By fragmentation of larger plastic waste due to sunlight, waves, and weathering.
• The majority are less than 1000 µm, making them easily ingested by marine organisms.

Ecological and Health Impacts of Microplastic Pollution

• Ingested by worms, fish, and shellfish, causing blockage, injuryà reduced survival.
• Food Chain Contaminationà Move up the food chain, affecting larger animals and eventually humans.
• Alter sediment structure & marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity & ecology.
• Recent studies have found microplastics in the brain, liver, and kidneys, with possible links to heart disease and neurological disorders.
• Affects marine biodiversity, microbial systems, and ecosystem stability