Microplastics Pollution in the River Ganga : Study
A study report titled ‘Quantitative Analysis of Ecoplastics Along River Ganga’ has been released by Toxics Link, a Delhi-based non-governmental organization (NGO). This report has been released in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.
- The samples were tested via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This technique is used to identify microscopic organic or inorganic materials.
- The study confirmed the presence of microplastics in all the samples collected from the river in Haridwar, Kanpur and Varanasi.
- Microplastics are defined as plastics that are less than 5 mm. are less than in length, and are insoluble in water. These are of significant concern as they are a major source of marine pollution.
Effects of Microplastics:
- Ingestion, respiratory arrest and entanglement by hundreds of marine species.
- Damage the aesthetic value of tourist places.
- Contribute to global warming.
- The consumption of seafood has been considered a health hazard.
Measures to be taken:
- Strengthening plastic waste management and better implementation of plastic regulations.
- Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) should be implemented to improve plastic waste.
- Notifying the areas around water bodies as no-plastic litter zones and imposing stringent punishment on violations.
- There is a need to give desired emphasis on mass campaign for behavior change.
Source – The Hindu