Microplastics Pollution in the River Ganga : Study

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

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